Auckland Island snipe (Coenocorypha aucklandica aucklandica) are presumed to have occurred throughout the Auckland Island archipelago but became restricted to a subset of the islands following mammal introductions. Snipe were known to have survived on Adams Island, Ewing Island, and Disappointment Island. However, it is uncertain whether snipe were continually present on Enderby Island and/or adjacent Rose Island. These islands lie near Ewing Island, and both hosted a suite of introduced mammals until the last species were eradicated in 1993. Using SNPs generated by ddRAD-Seq we identified four genetically distinct groups of snipe that correspond to the expected three refugia, plus a fourth comprised of Enderby Island and Rose Island. Each genetic group also exhibited private microsatellite alleles. We suggest that snipe survived in situ on Rose and/or Enderby Island in the presence of mammals, and discuss the conservation implications of our findings.

Since the European discovery of the Auckland Islands, at least ten species of land mammals have been introduced there. Most arrived in the first half of the ninteenth century during periods of exploitation by sealers and whalers, followed by short-lived Māori and European settlements at Port Ross. Several species required multiple introductions before becoming established. For those populations that naturalised, cattle (Bos taurus) occupied Enderby Island and were eradicated by 1993, goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) remained restricted to the northern end of Auckland Island and were eradicated by 1991, while pigs (Sus scrofa) spread across the entire Auckland Island and remain there today. Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) established on Rose and Enderby Islands, and were eradicated in 1993. Cats (Felis catus) and mice (Mus musculus domesticus) were both first recorded in 1840 on Auckland Island and remain there today. Rats (Rattus spp.) have never established on the Auckland Islands. Collectively, cattle, goats, sheep (Ovis aries), pigs, and rabbits transformed habitats and altered ecosystem processes, and suppressed tussock, megaherbs, and woody vegetation on Auckland, Enderby, Rose, Ewing, and Ocean Islands. Cats and pigs are together responsible for the extirpation or major reduction of surface-nesting and burrowing seabird colonies, and ground-nesting land birds from Auckland Island. Before dying out on Enderby Island, pigs had similar impacts there. Mice have altered invertebrate community composition and are likely responsible for lower abundancies of wētā (Dendroplectron aucklandense) and large weevils (Curculionidae) on Auckland Island. Disappointment Island remained free of introduced mammals, while on Adams Island they had only fleeting and minimal impact. Humans also had direct impacts on birds through hunting for consumption, with large surface-nesting seabirds severely affected around Port Ross. The Auckland Island merganser (Mergus australis) was driven to extinction by presumed mammal predation and well-documented museum collecting. Eradication of pigs, cats, and mice from Auckland Island and Masked Island (Carnley Harbour) would remove the last introduced mammals from the New Zealand subantarctic region.

Accurate long-term monitoring of a threatened species’ population size and trend is important for conservation management. The endangered yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) is a non-colonial breeder. Population monitoring of the subantarctic population has focused on beach counts rather than nesting birds. Here, we combined intensive nest-searching and counts of transiting penguins on Enderby Island, Auckland Islands, over 3 years to establish the relationship between count numbers and breeding birds. Morning beach counts of transiting penguins were extrapolated to estimate breeding population for the entire Auckland Island group from 2012 to 2017. Breeding numbers varied considerably between years, but overall did not appear to be declining in the short term. Breeding birds at the Auckland Islands averaged 577 pairs annually over the three ground-truthed breeding seasons, similar to the lower estimate of 520–680 pairs from the last survey in 1989, but less than the higher estimate of 650–1,009 pairs generated from that survey. Direct comparison of beach counts indicated a large decline, but these may be more prone to uncertainty. Large variations between years indicated variable breeding effort. The Auckland Islands (particularly Enderby Island) represent 37–49% of the total breeding population for yellow-eyed penguins, indicating the importance of the subantarctic populations for the species. We recommend ongoing monitoring, including mark-recapture methods, for future population estimates. At least 50% of the individuals in an area should be marked to reduce confidence intervals of estimates.

Ten white-headed petrels (Pterodroma lessonii) from Adams Island, Auckland Islands, were tracked during 2011–14 using miniature geolocators, in the first study to examine the at-sea movements and key foraging areas of this pelagic seabird. Data revealed extensive migrations west to South Africa and east into the central South Pacific Ocean. The birds returned to colonies Aug–Oct. Median departure on pre-laying exodus was 24 Sep. Birds were away for up to 77 days during pre-laying and moved west towards the Indian Ocean. Laying occurred 24 Nov–10 Dec. The first major incubation shifts by males and females were c. 19 days in duration. The maximum foraging range during incubation was 5,230 km from the colony, the most distant recorded by any seabird during this breeding stage. After eggs hatched in January, some birds foraged off Antarctica in sea temperatures down to –1°C. Birds spent the inter-breeding period in disjunct areas (off South Africa, south of Australia, Tasman Sea, and South Pacific Ocean). This study revealed an unusual courtship behaviour not recorded previously in other seabird species. Females returned from distant oceans to spend just a few days ashore in the pre-laying period before leaving the breeding site until the following spring. The males also skipped breeding at the same time as their mates, but returned earlier in the season. The new knowledge gained about the breeding activity of this species will assist with future population assessments.

Rotuma, Fiji, is a small and isolated island in the Central Pacific, rarely visited by ornithologists. We present here our own observations on the avifauna, obtained in 1991 and in 2018, completed by previous records obtained since the 19th Century. The main changes on the species composition concern the extirpation of the white-throated pigeon and the settlement of the reef heron. The status of the four endemic landbirds (one species and three subspecies) is good, especially that of the Rotuma myzomela. However, the recent arrival of the common myna (2017–2018) represents a potential threat. We also observed that the Pacific sheath-tailed bat, which was abundant 30 years ago, has probably been extirpated from the island.

Face, wing, bill, and leg characteristics of grey ducks (Anas. s. superciliosa), of captive-raised F1 and backcrossed grey duck x mallard (A. platyrhynchos) hybrids, and of wild “grey-like” and “mallard-like” ducks in New Zealand were evaluated to assist recognition of grey duck x mallard hybrids in the field. Face pattern was the single character best able to discriminate grey ducks from all others, most grey-like hybrids from all mallard-like hybrids, but not most F1 and backcrossed mallard hybrids from mallards. Upper wing pattern, and bill and leg colours assisted discrimination alongside face pattern but not so on their own. The extensive phenotypic variability now apparent within the combined grey duck – mallard population in New Zealand restricts consistent discrimination to 3 “taxa”: grey ducks, grey-like ducks (“grallard/greylard”), and mallard-like ducks (“New Zealand mallard”).

Little penguins (Eudyptula minor) readily breed and moult in nest boxes. The selective placement of nest boxes can enhance their use, improve breeding success and increase recruitment. I examined nest parameters for 171 nest boxes at Pilots Beach, southern New Zealand, in relation to their use for breeding and for moulting in the 2016 breeding season. Linear models to assess the relative importance of nest box parameters produced definitive results where a higher likelihood of use was interpreted to indicate a preference. The only preference for breeding or moulting was for shaded boxes that were free of vegetation at ground level. These trends were supported by comparisons of proportions of boxes used for breeding and moulting that indicated shaded boxes surrounded by bare ground were preferred to unshaded boxes surrounded by introduced grasses. Proportions also indicated that boxes on flat ground with a flat entrance were preferred to boxes on sloped ground or a sloped entrance for breeding and moulting. About half of the boxes between 61 and 90 m distance to the landing were used for breeding and moulting. Females nesting in shaded boxes had a higher breeding success than those in unshaded boxes but their chick masses were similar. To optimise nest box use by little penguins and encourage recruitment, nest boxes ideally should be placed under bushes or artificial structures on open ground up to 90 m from the landing.

Maungatautari is a 3,240 ha pest-fenced ecosanctuary free of virtually all mammalian predators in Waikato, New Zealand. We used triennial 5-minute counts within the ecosanctuary and biennial surveys of residents up to 20 km from the perimeter pest fence to measure spillover of tūī from Maungatautari into the surrounding area over a 9-year period (2006–2014) following pest eradication. Following pest eradication in the ecosanctuary, tūī relative abundance increased there and in the surrounding largely unmanaged area. The mean number of tūī per 5-minute count within the ecosanctuary was 2.23 (se = 0.163) in 2005 and increased following predator eradication in 2006 to 3.33 (se = 0.206) in 2008, 3.76 (se = 0.193) in 2011, and 2.68 (se = 0.279) in 2014. The mean maximum number of tūī at one time observed by residents in the largely unmanaged area increased from 4.4 (max = 47, n = 320) in 2006 to 15.6 (max = 300, n = 138) in 2014. Tūī numbers in both the ecosanctuary and the surrounding area were positively correlated with time since pest eradication. In the largely unmanaged area surrounding Maungatautari, tūī numbers were also positively correlated with provision of artificial food, and negatively correlated with distance from the ecosanctuary. Wind was negatively correlated with the number of tūī recorded in 5-minute counts at Maungatautari. Our findings show that pest-free ecosanctuaries can facilitate increased abundance of volant birds in surrounding landscapes if habitat is available.

We report Records Appraisal Committee (RAC) decisions regarding Unusual Bird Reports received between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. Among the 160 submissions accepted by the RAC were the first New Zealand records of Macquarie Island shag (Leucocarbo purpurascens) and Cox’s sandpiper (Calidris x paramelanotus), and the first accepted at-sea sightings of blue petrel (Halobaena caerulea), Salvin’s prion (Pachyptila salvini), Antarctic prion (P. desolata), and thin-billed prion (P. belcheri) from New Zealand coastal waters. We also report the second accepted breeding record (and first successful breeding) for glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), and the second accepted records of red-footed booby (Sula sula) and laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla). Other notable records included the first record of nankeen kestrel (Falco cenchroides) from Campbell Island, and at least 5 northern shovelers (Anas clypeata) simultaneously present in June 2018.

Following an initial aerial census of breeding New Zealand king shags (Leucocarbo carunculatus) in 2015, 2 further aerial censuses were carried out in 2016 and 1 census in 2017. In 2016, birds were photographed on 2 separate dates using a hand-held camera from inside a fixed wing aircraft. In 2017 the birds were photographed from a fixed-wing plane equipped with an automated camera system mounted below the aircraft. Photographs were independently assessed by 3 observers in 2016 and 2 observers in 2017. Nesting pairs were identified and the figures were averaged per colony for a final estimate of the number of active nests. The first census for 2016 was completed on 6 June and 89 active nests were estimated, compared with 117 nests counted on 1 July. For some colonies, breeding appeared to have just started in June 2016, so an underestimate of active breeders during the first aerial census was the probable cause. The 2017 aerial census was completed on 21 June and we identified 153 active nests. All follow up aerial surveys in 2016 and 2017 were well below the 187 active nests recorded in the 2015 study but within the historic variation. The exception to this trend is Trio Island, where no breeding colony was observed in 2017, the first time this has been recorded at this site.

In September 2002 and 2014 respectively, 2,077 and 1,704 prospecting Hutton’s shearwaters were colourmarked on the ventral plumage at their breeding grounds at Kōwhai River, Seaward Kaikōura Ranges, New Zealand. Large numbers (425,516 in 2002, and 106,900 in 2014) of marked and unmarked birds were then counted from small boats off the Kaikōura coast between Haumuri Bluff and Ohau Point. A hypergeometric sampling model was fitted these counts, leading to population estimates of N =̂ 459,290 (95% CI = 434,306-484,733) birds in 2002 and N ̂ = 590,407 (95% CI = 543,992–642,697) individuals in 2014. These estimates include both breeding and non-breeding birds and indicate that between 2002 and 2014 the population trend was about +2% per year.

Between 2002 and 2011, Buller’s albatrosses (Thalassarche bulleri bulleri and T. b. platei) accounted for 34% of albatross interactions in New Zealand trawl fisheries. However, the relative impact of commercial fisheries on each taxon is uncertain as identifying individuals by morphology is challenging. The aim of this research was to develop a genetic identification method for the 2 taxa. To this end, DNA was isolated from blood samples collected from a total of 73 birds breeding at northern Buller’s albatross colonies on the islets of Motuhara and Rangitatahi (total n = 26) and southern Buller’s albatross colonies located on Solander Island and North East Island (total n = 47). The degree of genetic differentiation between northern and southern Buller’s was estimated by using DNA sequences from a 221 bp segment of the mitochondrial Control Region. The genetic structure between northern and southern groups was high (pairwise ΦST = 0.621, P < 0.001). A Bayesian assignment method was used to determine provenance of individuals randomly sampled from fisheries bycatch (n = 97). All bycatch individuals were assigned with maximum probability to either the northern (n = 19) or southern taxon (n = 78; P = 1.00). This study demonstrated that sequences from the mitochondrial control region could reliably be used to assign individuals to either northern, or southern breeding populations, and can be used for determining the provenance of seabird bycatch.

To investigate factors that might influence calling rates of morepork (ruru, Ninox n. novaeseelandiae), Song Meter SM2+ acoustic recorders were deployed for 12 months recording every night at Hodges Bush (a remnant forest) and Trounson Kauri Park (TKP) in Northland, New Zealand. Three call types were recorded: the classic ‘morepork’ hoot, the ‘wheel’ and ‘wok’. There was no strong seasonal variation in ‘morepork’ hoots from Hodges Bush, although there were fewer hoots from February to March. At TKP, the number of hoots declined from June to August, but the number of ‘wheel’ and ‘wok’ calls remained constant. At dusk, ‘Morepork’ hoots gradually increased until they were at their greatest frequency 3 hours after sunset at both sites. Thereafter, the number of calls reduced through the night at TKP, but remain constant at Hodges Bush until a second peak 2 hours before dawn, after which numbers drop off markedly. The other two call types were constant throughout the night at both localities, but with a pre-dawn peak at Hodges Bush. There was no significant correlation between calls and moon phase at either site. We suggest that it is possible to use vocal activity as a means of monitoring morepork population changes, but more studies are needed to determine variations between sites and different population densities.

An observational study on the diet and breeding success of morepork (ruru; Ninox novaeseelandiae) was undertaken using video capture methods during the 2016-2017 breeding season on Tiritiri Matangi Island. The study investigated diet composition, frequency of prey deliveries, timing and frequency of chick provisioning, the behaviour of morepork and their young at 10 nest sites, and considered the possibility that morepork predation was having a negative impact on species of conservation importance. Tree wētā (Hemideina spp.) were found to be the most common prey type consumed at nest sites. Evidence of predation of bird species of conservation importance including stitchbird (hihi; Notiomystis cincta) was also found. Prey species continue to exhibit positive population growth rates, indicating predation rates are too low to have a significant destabilizing effect. However, as the population of moreporks has also grown, it is recommended that their impact on prey species be monitored.

Understanding the behaviour of invasive predators is an important step in developing effective predator control techniques. Stoats (Mustela erminea), introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s, are major predators of indigenous birds in forest, wetland, and coastal habitats, and are an emerging threat to alpine biodiversity. Stoats have recently been found to prey upon rock wrens (Xenicus gilviventris), New Zealand’s only truly alpine bird species. We monitored 32 rock wren nests using motion activated infrared (IR) cameras from 2 locations in the Southern Alps over 3 breeding seasons, 2012-2015. The behaviour of stoats that preyed upon 13 rock wren nests was quantified to describe how they behaved around rock wren nests, and to determine whether understanding these behaviours could lead to improved predator control to help to protect this vulnerable bird species. Stoats usually hunted alone. They could reach nests on cliffs and on the ground equally easily by climbing or jumping to them. Rock wren nests were attacked most frequently during the day (85% of nests) and at the chick stage in their life cycle, making this their most vulnerable stage. We suggest that this is because stoats are attracted to nests by the auditory cues of chicks calling out for food. Nests were rarely visited by stoats before or after the observed predation events. Stoats left little evidence of nest predation events beyond enlarging nest entrances. There was no indication that IR cameras or the actions of field workers affected predation behaviour, although some stoats clearly knew the cameras were there. There is an urgent need to deploy effective stoat control to recover rock wren populations. Control should focus on cliff habitats as well as on more accessible ground nests, and, if resources are limited, should primarily focus on the nestling stage. Future research could trial auditory lures to attract stoats to traps, and determine the vulnerability of rock wrens to predation outside the breeding season.

Museum study-skins are an important though under-utilised resource for studying the biology of endangered birds. This study compares the bill and cere morphology of female and male kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) from three provenances: 1) “historical wild-origin” museum specimens collected from the North and South islands of New Zealand over 100 years ago; 2) the “modern wild-origin”, predominantly ex-Stewart Island Kākāpō Recovery Programme (KRP) founder population; and 3) the “modern non-wild” descendants of the founder population raised and maintained under the conservation management of the KRP. Bill length and gape was found to be smaller in the historical wild-origin birds than in the two contemporary groups. In comparison, historical wild-origin male kākāpō had larger ceres than both contemporary groups. As bird bills can show rapid morphological adjustment to diet over generational time scales, we evaluate whether bill size differences measured could be due to differences in the nutritional environments experienced by the birds either across their life-times or over recent evolutionary time. We also discuss whether regional variation in sexual selection might account for the provenance related variation in cere size.

As ecosystem engineers, petrels are integral to ecological restoration schemes seeking to restore land sea nutrient pathways. Yet the current ranges of many petrel species are vastly reduced due to marine and terrestrial threats. Chick translocation is a demonstrated management tool for establishing seabird populations but is dependent on detailed knowledge of species breeding biology. We studied the breeding biology of white-faced storm petrel (Pelagadroma marina maoriana) on Burgess Island, Hauraki Gulf, northern New Zealand, and undertook an onsite chick translocation to investigate the efficacy of current petrel translocation practices for this relatively small species. During our study, breeding extended from August 2011 to February 2012 with hatching occurring on 6 December ± 1.2 days, a chick rearing period of 68.1 ± 0.9 days and fledging on 12 February ± 1.2 days. There was no desertion period by provisioning adults and burrow emergence began 2–6 nights before fledging. Chick growth was typical of Procellariiformes with chick mass (mean = 66.2 ± 1.7 g) peaking at 12.2 ± 1.7 days before fledging. There was no age-related change in the nightly probability of provisioning (0.54) or meal mass (mean = 7.8 ± 0.3 g). Translocated chicks fed a sardine puree diet for 11–20 days before fledging had significantly lighter fledging weights than a control group of adult provisioned chicks, but did not differ in wing length or the duration of burrow emergence before fledging. Our data suggest that translocations of white-faced storm petrel using supplementary feeding of chicks may be possible using slightly modified current feeding practices and could provide an option for expanding populations of endangered storm petrels.

Change in the relative abundance of grey duck (Anas superciliosa) and mallard (A. platyrhynchos) in New Zealand, from 1950 to the present day, is summarised from trapping records, hunters’ kills, and field studies. Mallards achieved numerical ascendency over grey duck throughout most of New Zealand by the late 1970s, merely 20 years after the cessation of mallard releases by historic acclimatisation societies. Post-1990, the relative abundance of mallard in almost all districts, as recorded from hunters’ kills, appears to have stabilised at 90%, or higher. Uncertainty about hunters’ and the public’s ability to discriminate between grey ducks, their hybrids with mallard, and variably-plumaged mallard females is demonstrated and most modern (post-1990) records of relative species abundance must be regarded as quantitatively suspect. Ducks identified as grey ducks by hunters are now a relative rarity throughout New Zealand, except in Northland and West Coast. Post-1990 duck trapping in North Island indicates that grey ducks, where reported, are patchily rather than generally distributed. The absence of genetically-validated criteria for discriminating ducks of grey duck x mallard hybrid ancestry continues to confound field identifications of both species.

Many New Zealand forest bird species have poor flying ability, limiting their ability to recolonise vacant habitat, and restricting gene flow between populations separated by water. Three endemic passerines considered to have poor dispersal ability have been reintroduced to 3 islands in Dusky Sound where stoats (Mustela erminea) have been eradicated: South Island robins (kakaruwai, Petroica australis) to Anchor Island (1,137 ha), Indian Island (168 ha) and Pigeon Island (73 ha), mohua (yellowhead, Mohoua ochrocephala) to Anchor and Pigeon Islands, and South Island saddleback (tīeke, Philesturnus carunculatus) to Anchor Island only. Mohua have also been reintroduced to nearby Resolution Island (20,887 ha), where stoats are controlled to low density. Stoat traps set on numerous ‘stepping stone’ islands around and between these 4 islands have created a network of predator-free habitat at varying distances from the reintroduction sites. We recorded sightings of these species during landings on 56 islands in Dusky Sound in November 2016. South Island robins had the greatest dispersal ability of the 3 species, and were found on 33 additional islands up to 1.4 km from the nearest potential source population. In contrast, mohua and South Island saddlebacks had each crossed a single water gap only, of 90 m and 100 m respectively. One or more of these 3 species have been translocated to more than 40 islands and a few mainland sites around the South Island and Stewart Island. Information on their dispersal ability across water could guide decisions on whether further translocations are necessary, both in respect to whether birds are likely to colonise nearby islands or forest patches unassisted, and in order to manage gene flow within dispersed metapopulations. South Island robins have apparently displaced tomtits (Petroica macrocephala) on at least 9 small islands in Dusky Sound.

Kākāpō (Strigops habroptilus) are the only parrot species known to have a lek-based mating system. In competing for mating opportunities with females, males can fight intensely with one another, sometimes with fatal consequences. Males may have evolved more deeply hooked bills and raptorial claws than females if these confer advantage in conflicts with other males. We studied bill and claw shape in 28 museum specimens using geometric morphometrics and found no sex differences. While no claw shape sex differences were identified, we did find kākāpō lateral claws are significantly more hooked than their medial toe claws which are flatter. Claw shape in other parrot species has not yet been analysed via geometric morphometric methods, it is therefore unknown whether this claw-shape configuration is unique to kākāpō.

The risk of disorientation by artificial lights and subsequent ‘fallout’ has become a widely recognised issue for nocturnal procellariiform species. Using data from community-based rescue campaigns and systematic research, we assessed the characteristics of fallout events observed in fledglings of the threatened New Zealand endemic Hutton’s shearwater (Puffinus huttoni) or Kaikōura tītī. Despite strong annual variation in observed fallout numbers, the proportion of annually produced fledglings collected as ‘fallout birds’ remained below 1% each year. Among those, more than 80% survived due to community rescue efforts. Fallout was found to increase significantly during new moon, while weather effects remained inconclusive. Most fallout occurred within brightly lit areas of Kaikōura township, particularly along its coastal roads. High light source densities and high wattage lights appeared to be influential in some areas but could only partly explain the spatial distribution of fallout at this small scale.

Breeding success of the endemic black-fronted tern (Chlidonias albostriatus) and the identity of predators was studied in the upper Clarence and Acheron Rivers (Molesworth Recreation Reserve), South Island, New Zealand in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 breeding seasons. The catchment supports a nationally and therefore internationally significant population of over 720 breeding birds. A combined total of 1,510 nests were monitored over 3 seasons. Breeding success was poor with only 42.7% of nests hatching at least 1 egg, and average productivity of only 0.13 chicks fledged/nest. Breeding success varied between years and rivers, primarily due to differing predation rates. Predation and nest abandonment following nocturnal predator disturbance were the primary causes of nest failure. A total of 110 filmed predation events at nests identified ferret (Mustela furo), feral cat (Felis catus) and hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) as the main predators. Following a beech and tussock masting event, predation by ship rats (Rattus rattus) was significant in 2014. This is the first time predator increases following mast seeding has been shown to impact braided river birds. In contrast, avian predation was low and varied across rivers. Productivity was higher in large colonies (>25 nests) than small colonies, and in early colonies (colony formation before 31 October). A management programme to improve black-fronted tern productivity has been initiated given the national importance of this population, the ease of access to these colonies, and the identification of the invasive predators responsible for current levels of poor breeding success.

We report Records Appraisal Committee (RAC) decisions regarding Unusual Bird Reports received between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016. Among the 113 submissions accepted by the RAC were the first New Zealand records of northern fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), Herald petrel (Pterodroma heraldica), red-footed booby (Sula sula), laughing gull (Larus atricilla) and magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca), the first breeding records for Australian wood duck (Chenonetta jubata) and glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), and the second accepted records of shy mollymawk (Thalassarche cauta cauta), great shearwater (Puffinus gravis) and Cape gannet (Morus capensis). Other notable records included a pair of white-winged black terns (Chlidonias leucopterus) breeding in the Mackenzie basin, and the first record of pukeko (Porphyrio melanotus) from the Snares Islands. In addition, notable influxes of brown booby (Sula leucogaster) and great frigatebird (Fregata minor) occurred during 2015-16.

Weights and body measurements from 258 male and 203 female adult (>1 year) and juvenile (<1 year) grey duck (Anas superciliosa), were collected from freshly-shot specimens in May 1974 and 1975 at sites in North Island, New Zealand. Mean weights of adult (1069 g) and juvenile (1035 g) males were significantly greater than those of adult (967 g) and juvenile (926 g) females. Assessment of body mass relative to skeletal size using a mass-size index (weight/tarsus2) did not detect any significant differences between any sex and age categories. Body measurements were of bill length and width, tarsus and middle-toe-and-claw lengths, and wing and tail lengths, and presented for each sex and age class. For every character measured, mean lengths for juvenile males were significantly longer than for juvenile females, and those for adult males significantly longer than for adult females. Within each sex, only mean wing and tail measurements from adults were significantly longer than those from juveniles. Significant differences in field weights and some body measurements between New Zealand and Australian A. superciliosa were identified.

Many globally threatened bird species have been shown to have highly male-skewed sex ratios. This is concerning for conservation as such populations have a higher extinction risk and lower reproductive population sizes. Our surveys of the remaining populations of orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) indicate this species currently has a non-breeding season adult male population proportion of between 0.56 and 0.66. This male bias increased to between 0.68 and 0.74 during the breeding season. Limited data also suggest that prior to recent declines in the population size of orange-fronted parakeets, driven largely by introduced mammalian predators, the adult sex ratio (ASR) may have been closer to parity. The excess of males indicates that this species currently has a compromised population structure, despite intensive conservation management undertaken since 2000 to limit predation.

A 15,000 ha low-intensity stoat (Mustela erminea) trapping network was established in the Murchison Mountains in 2002, primarily to protect the last natural population of the critically endangered takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri). We compared the productivity and survival of threatened southern brown kiwi or tokoeka (Apteryx australis) living in 3 valleys that were covered by this trapping network with those in a nearby valley that was left untreated. Chick survival to 6 months old was significantly higher in the trapped areas (37%) than in the untrapped area (19%). This doubling of chick survival was sufficient to change the rate of population growth, as derived from Leslie matrix analyses, from a projected decline of 1.6% per annum without management to a projected increase of 1.2% per annum with trapping.

The hihi (Notiomystis cincta) is a small threatened passerine endemic to New Zealand, for which few methods are known for ageing and sexing wild unbanded individuals. We monitored hihi on Tiritiri Matangi Island over 3 years, studying moult and other sexing and ageing techniques. Juvenile hihi before their first partial moult can be sexed by the white bases of primary coverts on males, which appear brown in females. After juveniles undergo their first partial moult, they appear similar to adults; however juvenile males retain old feathers in their primary coverts, alulae, or sometimes greater coverts or inner primaries, while adults undergo a complete moult. These patterns can be difficult to see in juvenile females, but wear of juvenile tails is much greater than in adults at any given time of year, making ageing of females reliable. Moult in the outer primaries and secondaries in autumn also indicate adult birds. This information should help inform future translocations and attempts to monitor viability of wild populations. Finally, we also comment on alternative definitions for ageing criteria from Melville (2011), based not on suspected birth-dates, but on appearance of plumage in hand.

Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was used to determine gender and geographic variation in the morphometrics of white-chinned petrels (Procellaria aequinoctialis) measured from fisheries bycatch in New Zealand. Samples were divided into 5 clusters based on capture location. A DFA model was created using adult breeding birds presumed to be from the 2 main locations at the Auckland Islands and Antipodes Islands. Geographic variation in head and bill, skull width, culmen, culmen depth at base, culmen width at base, right and left mid-toe and claw, tail, and right and left wing was found between birds presumed to be from the ‘Auckland’ and ‘Antipodes’ clusters, with ‘Antipodes’ birds being generally larger than ‘Auckland’ birds. Gender variation in head and bill, skull width, culmen, culmen depth at base, culmen width at base, minimum bill depth, right and left mid-toe and claw, right wing, right and left tarsus existed for ‘Auckland’ birds. Gender variation in head and bill, skull width, culmen, culmen depth at base, culmen width at base, minimum bill depth, right and left mid-toe and claw, and tail existed for ‘Antipodes’ birds. Birds in the other 3 clusters were classified as originating from the Auckland Islands or Antipodes Islands. The clustering suggested that birds from the Auckland Islands tended to forage mostly north and west, whereas birds from the Antipodes Islands foraged mostly towards the north. There were large overlaps at Puysegur Point and particularly the Chatham Rise of birds from both breeding locations. This study shows the usefulness of bycatch necropsies, and emphasises the need for further studies in geographic variation and sexual dimorphism at all New Zealand breeding locations.

Prior to 1992 the total population of New Zealand king shag (Leucocarbo carunculatus) was estimated to be about 300 individuals. Between 1992 and 2002, colonies in the outer Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand were surveyed by boat and the total population was estimated to be 645 birds. About 92% of all birds occurred at Duffers Reef, North Trio Island, Sentinel Rock, and White Rocks, with an estimated 102-126 breeding pairs. A survey in February 2015 was the first to be conducted from the air. All colonies were photographed within 44 minutes prior to the morning departure and the total population was estimated to be 839 individuals. A total of 187 pairs/nests were recorded using aerial 3D images of all breeding colonies in June 2015. North Trio Island was the largest breeding colony with 33.7% of all nests, followed by Duff ers Reef with 18.7% of all nests. Despite the larger revised population size, the species remains Nationally Endangered.

The white-flippered penguin (Eudyptula minor albosignata) population on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, was extensively preyed on by mammalian predators during the 1980s and 1990s with the loss of many colonies and the reduction in size of others. This paper presents the results of a 20-year study designed to identify the predators primarily responsible for these losses. It was based on the monitoring of 9 colonies ranging in size from 2 to 37 nests on a 1.7 km section of rocky coastline. Predators were trapped in the largest colony to determine the species present and their relevant behaviour. The other colonies were left unprotected, 6 of which were accessible to predators and 2 were not. Predation of penguins was first observed in the area in 1981 and it occurred annually through to the end of the study in 1995. Five of the 6 unprotected colonies were lost in 1982 and 1983 while the inaccessible colonies were unaffected. The remains of penguins that had been preyed on were found in the ‘protected’ colony in 11 of the 15 years between 1981 and 1995. These had been taken during the second half of the moulting season in February, and during the non-breeding season from April to August. No predation was observed during September to January when the penguins were breeding. A total of 47 mustelids were trapped in the ‘protected’ colony of which 43 (91%) were ferrets (Mustela furo). Overall there were 16 instances of predation that could be attributed to ferrets and 1 that was attributed to a ferret although the predator was not caught. The onset and sustained period of penguin predation by ferrets followed an eruption in their numbers Banks Peninsula-wide. This was most likely triggered by a corresponding increase in the numbers of rabbits (Oryctolagus c. cuniculus), their primary prey.

%B Notornis
%V 62
%P 121-129
%G eng
%N 3
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Crossland%20et%20al.%202015.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T Changes in annual counts of yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) at Sandy Bay, Enderby Island, 2001 - 2012
%A B. Louise Chilvers
%K Auckland Islands
%K beach counts
%K hoiho
%K Megadyptes antipodes
%K population trend
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 103-105
%N 2
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Chilvers%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T Developing a broadcast system to attract New Zealand falcons (Falco novaseelandiae)
%A John Holland
%A Ed Minot
%A Naomi McBride
%A Jeraldine Teng
%A Burgess Langshaw Power
%K broadcast system
%K Falco novaseelandiae
%K methods
%K New Zealand Falcon
%K vocalisations
%X It is difficult to locate and monitor populations of the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) because the terrain they occupy is frequently inhospitable and the traditional method of walking transects lines to locate nest sites is arduous and time consuming. For this reason we developed and trialled a low-priced broadcasting system that amplifies pre-recorded vocalisations to attract falcons, which we then used to locate their nest sites. We tested the system on 20 falcons in the Kaingaroa and Pan Pac forests on the North Island. Both sexes responded but males responded more frequently. We conclude that the system can rapidly and accurately locate falcons in a large plantation forest during the summer breeding season.
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 61-66
%N 2
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Holland%20et%20al.%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T Field weights and measurements of Australasian shoveler (Anas rhynchotis) in New Zealand
%A Murray Williams
%K Anas rhynchotis
%K Australasian shoveler
%K measurement
%K New Zealand
%K weight
%X Weights and measurements of 120 male and 109 female adult and juvenile Australasian shovelers (Anas rhynchotis) were obtained from fresh specimens shot in May, mostly during 1976-1979, at 2 sites in North Island, New Zealand. Mean weights of adult males (634 g) and juvenile males (616 g) were significantly greater than those of adult (608 g) and juvenile (558 g) females. For both sexes, weight/tarsus length2 ratios of juveniles were significantly lower than adults but there was no difference between sexes within each age class. Measurements of bill length and width, tarsus and mid-toe-and-claw, and wing and tail lengths are presented for each sex and age class. All measured characters of juvenile males were significantly longer than juvenile females and adult males were significantly longer than adult females. Within each sex, only wing and tail lengths of adults were significantly longer than juveniles. These findings are typical of other shoveler species.
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 19-26
%N 1
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Williams%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T First record of interbreeding between a Snares crested (Eudyptes robustus) and erect-crested penguin (E. sclateri)
%A Kyle W. Morrison
%A Paul M. Sagar
%K Eudyptes
%K heterospecific mating
%K hybrid pair
%K hybridisation
%K mixed colony
%K Snares Islands
%K vagrant
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 109-112
%N 2
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Morrison%20%26%20Sagar%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T Foraging behaviour and habitat partitioning in sympatric invasive birds in French Polynesia
%A Jennifer H. Bates
%A Erica N. Spotswood
%A James C. Russell
%K feeding stations
%K French Polynesia
%K Mo’orea
%K Passeriformes
%K sympatric species
%K tropical invasion
%K vigilance
%X Interactions among invasive bird species have received relatively little attention despite the potential important consequences for community dynamics and invasion spread. Where species occupy similar environments the outcome may be particularly unpredictable. In this study we examined the foraging behaviours of 2 sympatric invasive birds in Mo’orea, the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) and the red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), to determine if they exhibit behavioural or habitat partitioning. We investigated the ratio of foraging to vigilance behaviour of both species at novel food stations, as well as the effects of foraging group size and species composition on their behaviour. While the myna and bulbul exhibit similar behaviour, sites where they occur were partitioned within habitats. Novel food stations however, encouraged foraging at the cost of vigilance behaviours. Behaviours were not influenced by conspecific group size, and intraspecific interactions were more frequent, and of a greater intensity than interspecific interactions. These results suggest that the 2 species minimise competitive interactions by occupying different sites within the same habitat, and prioritise food acquisition in a new environment. Sympatric introduced species may avoid competitive exclusion if habitat usage limits the frequency of interactions.
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 35-42
%N 1
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Bates%20et%20al.%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T Increased abundance of the bellbird (Anthornis melanura) in Christchurch, New Zealand
%A E. B. Spurr
%A A.C. Crossland
%A P. M. Sagar
%K bellbirds
%K garden bird surveys
%K mammalian pest control
%K mammalian predators
%K transect counts
%X Numbers of bellbird (Anthornis melanura), an endemic honeyeater, counted along transects in forest remnants on the Port Hills near the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, increased since the initiation of intensive mammalian pest control in 2006. Bellbird counts also increased along transects in bush reserves and along a 6.5 km cycle route in the city itself, probably as a result of spill-over from source populations on the Port Hills, because few bellbirds breed in the city. In contrast, counts of bellbirds in domestic gardens in the city did not increase, perhaps because of the continued presence of introduced mammalian predators and/or lack of suitable habitat. We suggest the increased abundance of bellbirds in forest remnants on the Port Hills was likely the result of mammalian pest control but the lack of ‘no-treatment’ areas means we cannot rule out other causes of the increase such as changing habitat and food availability.
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 67-74
%N 2
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Spurr%20et%20al.%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T Observation of a female mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) with 29 ducklings
%A Mark Seabrook-Davison
%K Anas platyrynchos
%K brood size
%K mallard
%K New Zealand
%K parasitism
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 51-53
%N 1
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Seabrook-Davison%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2014
%T Post-translocation movements of pre-fledging Hutton’s shearwaters (Puffinus huttoni) within a newly established colony (Te Rae o Atiu) on the Kaikoura Peninsula
%A Lindsay Rowe
%K fledgling behaviour
%K Hutton’s shearwater
%K movements
%K passive integrated transponders
%K post-translocation monitoring
%X Over 100 Hutton’s shearwater (Puffinus huttoni) nestlings were translocated to the Te Rae o Atiu colony on the Kaikoura Peninsula in February and March 2013. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags were implanted in all translocated nestlings and their movements were monitored using both visual observations and recording devices at nest-box entrances. Once nest-box entrances were unblocked about 5 days after birds were translocated, 29 nestlings were resighted 81 times outside their home nest-boxes either in the open (14 nestlings) and/or other nest-boxes (29 nestlings). From the PIT tag records, 37 birds were observed visiting at least 49 nest-boxes on 109 occasions. The most mobile bird made 15 visits to 12 other nest-boxes over 9 nights; another bird visited 6 boxes in one night; and 1 box had 3 visitors in a single night. Nestlings moved within the colony in the period between 1 and 16 nights before fledging, with an average of 8 nights with movement before fledging. The PIT tag readers also showed that the use of pins outside nest-box entrances to determine movements can be misleading as pins were moved up to 13 nights before the nest-box occupant emerged, the pins being moved either by visitors to the nest-boxes or by nestlings wandering past the entrance.
%B Notornis
%V 61
%P 84-90
%N 2
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Rowe%202014.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Can gannets (Morus serrator) select their diving profile prior to submergence?
%A Gabriel E. Machovsky-Capuska
%A Robin L. Vaughn-Hirshorn
%A Bernd Wursig
%A David Raubenheimer
%K dive behaviour
%K dive profiles
%K Morus serrator
%K New Zealand
%K seabirds
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 255-257
%N 3
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Machovsky-Capuska%20et%20al.%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Close approaches and acoustic triangulation: techniques for mapping the distribution of booming Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) on small wetlands
%A Colin F.J. O'Donnell
%A Emma M. Williams
%A John Cheyne
%K booming
%K Botaurus poiciloptilus
%K census
%K inventory
%K monitoring
%K New Zealand
%X Reliable techniques need to be developed for monitoring the distribution and abundance of the endangered Australasian bittern (matuku, Botaurus poiciloptilus). We trialled 2 complementary methods for estimating the number of booming Australasian bitterns: acoustic triangulation from fixed listening stations, and using kayaks to quietly approach booming birds. Trials were conducted over 2 booming seasons (2011 and 2012) at Hatuma Lake, Hawkes Bay. The 2 methods gave similar estimates of the number of bitterns using Hatuma Lake (2011: 8-9 bitterns by triangulation and 9-10 bitterns by close approaches; 2012: 8-9 bitterns using triangulation and 7-8 bitterns by close approaches). We recommend using close approaches because there appeared to be less count-error or a combination of the 2 methods to estimate numbers of Australasian bitterns on small wetlands (< 250 ha). However, neither method appears suitable for larger wetlands if the calls of distant bitterns overlap those of close bitterns, if observers get saturated by too many calling birds, or if there is insufficient time between calls to estimate distance of calls reliably and reduce the ability to distinguish individuals consistently.
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 279-284
%N 4
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/O%27Donnell%20et%20al.%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Dispersal of southern black-backed gulls (Larus dominicanus dominicanus) banded in Canterbury, New Zealand, 1959-1993
%A Lindsay K. Rowe
%K Ashley River
%K banding
%K dispersal
%K Larus dominicanus dominicanus
%K Motunau Island
%K recoveries
%K Southern Black-backed Gull
%K Waimakariri River
%X A total of 3455 southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus dominicanus) chicks were banded at 4 Canterbury localities between 1959 and 1993: Ashley River 1239; Waimakariri River 219; Motunau Island 1997. Only 180 (5.2%) of these chicks were recovered, 3.0% of the river colony chicks and 6.9% of the Motunau Island chicks. Three-quarters of recoveries were in rural environments with most others on the coast; 14 had been shot or trapped and killed. The oldest recovery from the river colonies was 6.1 years old but this may be an underestimate due to wear and loss of aluminium bands used early in the study period; Motunau Island birds were found up to 25.7 years after banding. Birds dispersed widely from the Wairarapa to Southland travelling up to 486 km. Recoveries of first year birds off-colony averaged 96 km which is more than the older birds, 54 km; 7/10 birds that travelled over 200 km were first year birds. On average, Motunau Island birds were found further from the natal colony than birds from the river colonies. My results indicate that dispersal distances and direction of black-backed gulls are variable, and that dispersal can occur between the North and South Islands.
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 134-142
%N 2
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Rowe%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Establishment of a new breeding colony of Australasian gannets (Morus serrator) at Young Nick's Head Peninsula
%A Steve L. Sawyer
%A Sally R. Fogle
%K acoustic attraction
%K Australasian gannet
%K colony restoration
%K Morus serrator
%K passive attraction
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 180-182
%N 2
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Sawyer%20%26%20Fogle%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Giant petrel (Macronectes halli) predation on red-billed gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) and white-fronted terns (Sterna striata) at Kaikoura
%A James A. Mills
%A Lindsay K. Rowe
%A Christopher J.R. Robertson
%A Mike Morrisey
%A Deborah A. Mills
%K Kaikoura
%K Larus novaehollandiae
%K Macronectes halli
%K predation
%K Sterna striata
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 307-308
%N 4
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Mills%20et%20al.%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T High altitude New Zealand record for a long-tailed skua (Stercorarius longicaudus)
%A Mel Galbraith
%A Alan Tennyson
%A Lara Shepherd
%A Peter Robinson
%A Diane Fraser
%K Coromandel Peninsula
%K Hauraki Gulf
%K long-tailed skua
%K migration altitude
%K New Zealand
%K Stercorarius longicaudus
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 245-248
%N 3
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Galbraith%20et%20al.%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T A hybrid gadfly petrel suggests that soft-plumaged petrels (Pterodroma mollis) had colonised the Antipodes Islands by the 1920s
%A Alan J.D. Tennyson
%A Hayley A. Lawrence
%A Graeme A. Taylor
%A Michael J. Imber
%K Antipodes Islands
%K hybrid
%K mitochondrial DNA
%K Pterodroma mollis
%K soft-plumaged petrel
%X A unique Pterodroma petrel shot at sea near the Antipodes Islands in 1926 has features intermediate between white-headed petrel (Pterodroma lessonii) and soft-plumaged petrel (Pt. mollis). Its mitochondrial DNA indicates that its mother was a Pt. mollis and we conclude that it is a hybrid. We theorise that Pt. mollis had begun colonising Antipodes Island by the 1920s and some pairing with the locally abundant congeneric Pt. lessonii occurred. Hybridisation in Procellariiformes is rare worldwide but several cases have now been reported from the New Zealand region.
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 290-295
%N 4
%9 Full Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Tennyson%20et%20al.%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T A mass mortality event of sooty shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) on the central coast of Peru
%A Liliana Ayala
%A Luis Paz-Soldan
%A Paola Garate
%K mass mortality
%K Puffinus griseus
%K seabird bycatch
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 258-261
%N 3
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Ayala%20et%20al.%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T New Zealand pigeons (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) feeding on Korthalsella plants
%A Alan Baker
%K foods
%K Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
%K Korthalsella
%K Kunzea ericoides
%K mistletoe
%K Myrsine australis
%K New Zealand Pigeon
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 326
%N 4
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Baker%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Population estimates and conservation of the New Zealand dotterel (Charadrius obscurus) on Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
%A John Ogden
%A John E. Dowding
%K Awana Beach
%K Charadrius obscurus aquilonius
%K conservation management
%K Great Barrier Island
%K movement patterns
%K Northern New Zealand dotterel
%K Whangapoua
%X We present the first detailed data on the Great Barrier Island (GBI) subpopulation of the northern New Zealand dotterel (NNZD; Charadrius obscurus aquilonius). The breeding season population has averaged 48 birds (range: 41– 64) since 2000. At Awana on GBI, productivity has averaged >1.0 fledged chick per pair-year. The apparent survivorship of adult birds was less than that in the North Auckland subpopulation. After breeding, most GBI birds congregated at Whangapoua Estuary/Okiwi Spit in the north of the island, making this a site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (1971). The post-breeding population of c.56 birds (range: 41 – 77) was augmented by local juveniles and input from elsewhere. Banding returns provided evidence of movement between GBI and the adjacent mainland subpopulation on the Coromandel Peninsula. There was no evidence that fewer predatory mammal species on GBI benefits the species at present. Conservation emphasis should focus on controlling mammalian predators and managing human impacts at breeding sites, especially early in the breeding season.
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 210-223
%N 3
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Ogden%20%26%20Dowding%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Population trends in black-fronted terns (Chlidonias albostriatus) on the Ashley River, North Canterbury
%A Joanne M. Monks
%A Colin F.J. O'Donnell
%A Eric B. Spurr
%K braided river
%K conservation management
%K monitoring
%K seabird
%K threatened species
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 171-172
%N 2
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Monks%20et%20al%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Reconstructing avian biodiversity on Maungatautari
%A Chris Smuts-Kennedy
%A Kevin A. Parker
%K avian introduction
%K avian reintroduction
%K avian translocation
%K ecological restoration
%K Maungatautari
%X The Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) was established in 2001. In 2006 the ~3,400 ha forested mountain of Maungatautari was protected by a ~47 km pest fence, and most introduced mammals within the fence have since been eradicated. Since then, 7 locally extinct indigenous bird species have been translocated to Maungatautari, one other has self-reintroduced, and many more avian translocations are planned. There are now 20 indigenous forest bird species present (from 12 at the project’s commencement) and the total is expected to eventually exceed 30 species, many of which will be threatened species. Those avian species will be part of a functioning ecosystem that is likely to include at least 50 indigenous vertebrate species (birds, bats, lizards, tuatara, frogs and fish). The avian translocations and the restoration outcome monitoring programmes are described, and some characteristics and values of the project are discussed.
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 93-106
%N 1
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Smuts-Kennedy%20%26%20Parker%202013.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2013
%T Wetland bird monitoring at the Avon-Heathcote Estuary and Bromley Oxidation Ponds, Christchurch: August 2009 to July 2010
%A Andrew C. Crossland
%K Avon-Heathcote Estuary
%K Bromley Oxidation Ponds
%K monitoring
%K population
%K wetland birds
%X Monitoring of wetland birds was undertaken at the Avon-Heathcote Estuary and Bromley Oxidation Ponds between Aug 2009 and Jul 2010. Monthly totals exceeded 20,000 birds from Dec to Apr, with the highest count (36,637) recorded in Jan 2010. A total of 38 wetland bird species were recorded and 12 of these exceeded 1000+ individuals during at least 1 month of the study period. The 5 most abundant species were New Zealand shoveler (Anas rhynchotis; maximum 7046), grey teal (Anas gracilis; 5881), New Zealand scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae; 5739), red-billed gull (Larus novaehollandiae; 5000+) and South Island pied oystercatcher (Haematopus finschi; 4844). Ten species were recorded in numbers that met or exceeded the 1% Ramsar international significance criterion: pied cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius varius), paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata), grey teal, New Zealand shoveler, New Zealand scaup, South Island pied oystercatcher, variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor), eastern bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica baueri), black- billed gull (Larus bulleri) and Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia).
%B Notornis
%V 60
%P 151-157
%N 2
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Crossland%202013a.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2012
%T Abnormally long bill in a South Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus)
%A William Cash
%A James V. Briskie
%K bill abnormality
%K Motuara Island
%K Philesturnus carunculatus
%K South Island saddleback
%B Notornis
%V 59
%P 88-89
%N 1&2
%9 Short note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Cash%20%26%20Briskie%202012.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2012
%T A breeding survey of three species of shags in Marlborough Sounds
%A Mike Bell
%K breeding distribution
%K census
%K little shag
%K Marlborough Sounds
%K Pied Shag
%K Spotted Shag
%B Notornis
%V 59
%P 60-65
%N 1&2
%9 Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Bell%202012.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2012
%T Discovery of previously unknown historical records on the introduction of dunnocks (Prunella modularis) into Otago, New Zealand during the 19th century
%A Eduardo S.A. Santos
%K exotic species
%K introduction biology
%K invasive species
%K multiple introductions
%B Notornis
%V 59
%P 79-81
%N 1&2
%9 Short note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Santos%202012.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2012
%T Does hole-roosting behaviour of mohua (Mohoua ochrocephala) increase the risk of predation by introduced mammals?
%A Barry L. Lawrence
%A Matthew Low
%K Mohoua ochrocephala
%K Mohua
%K predation risk
%K roosting behaviour
%B Notornis
%V 59
%P 85-87
%N 1&2
%9 Short note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Lawrence%20%26%20Low%202012.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2012
%T New Zealand king shag (Leucocarbo carunculatus) foraging distribution and use of mussel farms in Admiralty Bay, Marlborough Sounds
%A Paul R. Fisher
%A Laura J. Boren
%K aquaculture
%K king shag
%K Leucocarbo carunculatus
%K mussel farm
%K survey method
%X To date there has been no published information describing the relative abundance, behaviour or distribution of the New Zealand king shag (Leucocarbo carunculatus) within mussel farm areas, despite the sensitivity of the species to human disturbance and the potential overlap of its range with proposed development of marine aquaculture. Four survey methods were employed as part of a multi-species research programme to develop methods for surveying marine mammals and seabird populations in aquaculture management areas. Two of the techniques, involving continuous time- lapse photography of mussel farms and boat-based surveys through coastal farms were developed for this study. Time- lapse cameras showed that mussel farms buoys were used by king shags as temporary resting sites only. King shags were recorded on 36% of the farms (n = 44) from 13 surveys within inner Admiralty Bay. The low number of sightings within mussel farms suggests that farms are not important foraging or resting areas for king shags, at least in Admiralty Bay. The foraging range and density of king shags was not known before farms were developed, so no direct comparison or impact assessment can be made. Boat-based surveys were used to estimate the density of foraging shags, which showed that daily locations of foraging birds at sea can vary considerably on consecutive days and over the season. Previous environmental surveys to assess impacts of mussel farms on foraging areas are therefore unlikely to adequately represent the entire foraging range or most important feeding areas. The number of breeding pairs, chicks and nests was also found to vary considerably at colonies, dependent on when counts were undertaken during their protracted breeding season. Open water mid-bay aquaculture (shellfish and finfish) potentially poses a greater threat to king shags than ‘coastal ribbon development’, in terms of loss of open water habitat from farm structures, and loss of foraging habitat through modification to the water column (e.g., turbidity) and seabed. Given the lack of knowledge about the king shag population dynamics, diet and prey availability, there is an urgent requirement for more research to fill these gaps and also understand how we can conserve important shag feeding areas and associated marine environment through sustainable management of aquaculture.
%B Notornis
%V 59
%P 105-115
%N 3&4
%9 Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Fisher%20%26%20Boren%202012.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2012
%T Phylogenetic affinities of the New Zealand blue duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos)
%A Bruce C. Robertson
%A Sharyn J. Goldstien
%K Anseriformes
%K Blue duck
%K control region gene
%K ctyochrome b gene
%K mitochondrial DNA
%K ND2 gene
%K phylogenetics
%B Notornis
%V 59
%P 49-59
%N 1&2
%9 Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Robertson%20%26%20Goldstien%202012.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2012
%T Results of a community-based acoustic survey of ruru (moreporks) in Hamilton city
%A Dai K.J. Morgan
%A Andrew Styche
%K citizen science
%K morepork
%K New Zealand
%K Ninox novaeseelandiae
%K ruru
%K urban ecology
%X Ruru or moreporks (Ninox novaeseelandiae) are an iconic native species that are relatively widespread in New Zealand, yet little is known about populations that reside within urban areas. Here we present results from a ruru survey conducted by volunteers within the city of Hamilton, New Zealand to: 1) collect baseline data for future comparative ruru surveys, and 2) to introduce and promote ornithology to a wider audience. In addition, these data may be used to quantify the success of urban restoration projects and pest control operations, as many of the desired outcomes of those projects (e.g., increased native vegetation and reduced mammalian predators) would have a positive impact on ruru numbers. Twenty sites were surveyed in areas such as amenity parks and gullys with established vegetation. Teams of observers recorded the time and approximate bearing of all ruru vocalisations at sites for 1 h each night for 5 consecutive nights between 2000-2230 hours in late October 2011. Ruru were detected at 80% (16/20) of sites at least once over the survey period; at 13 of these sites ruru were detected on >2 nights, while birds were detected every night at 5 sites. Multiple birds were detected at 11 sites, which suggested that some may have been resident pairs and breeding. We recommend that including members of the public in similar surveys is highly desirable as it raises awareness around conservation issues and introduces ornithology to a wider audience.
%B Notornis
%V 59
%P 123-129
%N 3&4
%9 Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Morgan%20%26%20Styche%202012.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Bird-damaged kauri snails (Paryphanta b. busbyi) and snail shell breakdown at Trounson Kauri Park, Northland, New Zealand
%A A. J. Beauchamp
%K bird predation
%K Kauri snails
%K Mainland Island
%K Paryphanta thrushes
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 35-38
%N 1
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Beauchamp%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Breeding success of northern New Zealand dotterels (Charadrius obscurus aquilonius) following mammal eradication on Motuihe Island, New Zealand
%A Hester R. Neate
%A John E. Dowding
%A Kevin A. Parker
%A Mark E. Hauber
%K breeding success
%K Charadrius obscures
%K mammal eradication
%K New Zealand Dotterel
%X Population size and breeding success of northern New Zealand dotterels (Charadrius obscurus aquilonius) were studied on the recently mammalian predator-eradicated Motuihe Island in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. The island’s entire breeding population was monitored during the austral breeding season from Nov 2007 - Feb 2008. Nine breeding pairs were identified and their breeding success recorded. A total of 41% of nesting attempts produced fledglings and 1.22 chicks fledged per pair for the season; each egg had a 38% chance of survival to fledging. The breeding success of this endemic shorebird was twice as high on Motuihe Island as that at unmanaged mainland sites, and is comparable to levels of breeding success at other managed sites with mammal trapping or predator-proof fencing. The only identified cause of nesting failure over the breeding season was avian predation. Suggestions are made to maintain and enhance breeding success at this locality.
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 17-21
%N 1
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Neate%20et%20al.%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Identification of an optimal sampling position for stable isotopic analysis of bone collagen of extinct moa (Aves: Emeidae)
%A Richard N. Holdaway
%A David J. Hawke
%A Michael Bunce
%A Morten E. Allentoft
%K bone collagen
%K carbon-13
%K Euryapteryx curtus
%K moa
%K nitrogen-15
%K Pachyornis elephantopus
%K stable isotopes
%X Stable isotopic (δ13C; δ15N) analysis of bone collagen and other refractory biological materials is a mainstay of palaeoecological research, but comparability between individuals depends on homogeneity within the sample specimens. Long bones of extinct New Zealand moa display lines of arrested growth that reflect prolonged development over several years, leading to potential systematic inhomogeneity in stable isotopic enrichment within the bone. We tested whether the isotopic content within a Euryapteryx curtus tibiotarsus is homogeneous by measuring δ15N and δ13C values in 6 adjacent 1cm-diameter cortical bone cores arranged along the bone axis from each of the proximal and distal ends. We then measured isotopic ratios in 5 radial slices of a core from the mid-shaft of a Pachyornis elephantopus tibiotarsus to see if there was any depth (ontogenetic) effect at a single sampling point. The δ13C value increased with distance from the proximal bone end, but neither δ13C nor δ15N values in samples from the distal end of the bone were correlated with position. Within mid-shaft cortical bone, the δ13C value decreased with depth but δ15N values were constant. Sampling the entire depth of cortical bone from the caudal surface at the distal end of the tibiotarsus, if feasible, therefore provides a spatially homogenous material, free of maturation effects on stable isotopic composition. If for any reason that position cannot be sampled, the outer (radial) layer at the mid-shaft can be substituted.
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 1-7
%N 1
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Holdaway%20et%20al.%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Interspecific feeding of South Island tomtit (Petroica macrocephala macrocephala) nestlings and fledglings by a male Stewart Island robin (P. australis rakiura)
%A Bryce M. Masuda
%K adoption
%K interspecific feeding
%K misdirected
%K parental care
%K passerine
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 95-97
%N 2
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Masuda%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Introduced predators and seabird predation on Mo'orea, French Polynesia
%A Rebecca Wilcox
%A Erica Spotswood
%K Circus approximans
%K feral cats
%K French Polynesia
%K introduced species
%K Mo’orea
%K seabirds
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 39-42
%N 1
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Wilcox%20%26%20Spotswood%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Relationship between mohua (Mohoua ochrocephala) breeding density and vegetation in a red beech (Nothofagus fusca) forest
%A Barry L. Lawrence
%A Graeme P. Elliott
%A Ian Westbrooke
%K density
%K habitat
%K milling
%K Mohoua ochrocephala
%K Mohua
%X Mohua are endemic to the South Island of New Zealand but they have declined in both range and abundance. The causes of decline include predation from introduced predators and forest clearance. Mohua have survived in reasonable numbers in the Dart Valley in west Otago. In this paper we describe the relationship between the presence of mohua breeding territories and vegetation at a 1 ha scale within low altitude, red beech-dominated forest. The extent of shrub or regeneration was found to have the strongest association with the presence/absence of breeding mohua. Other factors which increase leaf volume, such as forest-edge and broken canopy were also important in explaining the presence of mohua. Milling was found to have a long lasting negative impact (>70 years) on mohua presence. Management which reduces grazing and increases the shrub and regeneration forest component is likely to increase mohua carrying capacity.
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 124-130
%N 3&4
%9 Article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Lawrence%20et%20al.%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Sexual size dimorphism, within-pair comparisons and assortative mating in the short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris)
%A Mark J. Carey
%K assortative mating
%K bill depth
%K discriminant analysis
%K morphometrics
%K sexing
%K shearwater
%X Biometric studies of short-tailed shearwaters (Puffinus tenuirostris) indicate differences in body mass and linear measurements between sexes. Here the degree of sexual size dimorphism in 390 short-tailed shearwater adults is assessed and a sex-discriminating function is produced to improve methods for sexing live birds in the field. Analysis of body mass and linear measurements showed males to be significantly heavier and larger than female birds in all variables. The largest degree of sexual size dimorphism was in bill depth (7.5%) followed by body mass (5.1%). Bill depth plus total head length were the most accurate variables in a discriminant function model. Together, these 2 variables predicted sex with 84% accuracy. Bill depth alone predicted sex with 82% accuracy. However, application of a sex-discriminating model developed from another colony, did not correctly classify the sex of adult birds as accurately. This can be explained by the existence of significant geographical variation in body size within the species and reinforces the need for colony-specific sex discriminant models. Comparisons within-pairs revealed that bill depth is a more reliable indicator of sex, without the need for a discriminant function analysis. Contrary to previous studies, measurements of male and female partners showed no evidence of assortative mating in any character assessed. If short-tailed shearwaters mate assortatively then it may be based on traits other than structural size.
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 8-16
%N 1
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Carey%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2011
%T Survival and age-at-first-return estimates for grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) breeding on Mauao and Motuotau Island in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
%A C.J. Jones
%A H.Clifford
%A David Fletcher
%A Paul Cuming
%A P.O'B. Lyver
%K age-at-first-return
%K apparent survival
%K Grey-faced Petrel
%K mark-recapture
%K multi-state models
%K Pterodroma macroptera gouldi
%X We estimated apparent annual survival of adult and young grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) and age of first return to the natal colony of young birds from 2 colonies in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, between 1991 and 2008. We analysed the capture histories of 5844 adult birds and 928 chicks in a mark-recapture framework. The apparent adult annual survival rate was 0.89 after accounting for transience effects, which were greater at the mainland site (Mauao, Mount Maunganui) than on the island colony (Motuotau, Rabbit Island). Annual survival of young birds between fledging and 2 years of age was 0.844 for Mauao and 0.865 for Motuotau. Around 50% of fledglings that returned to their natal colony did so by 4 years of age, and by age 6, the probability of a fledgling returning was approximately 1.0. These are the first reliable estimates of these parameters for grey-faced petrels and are vital for models aimed at predicting the effects of natural perturbations or management interventions on breeding populations.
%B Notornis
%V 58
%P 71-80
%N 2
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Jones%20et%20al.%202011.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Bioacoustic monitoring of New Zealand birds
%A Jamie Steer
%K bioacoustics
%K birds
%K monitoring
%K New Zealand
%K radar
%K spectrogram
%K technology
%X New bioacoustic technologies offer novel ways to monitor bird populations in the field. Bioacoustic techniques can greatly enhance effective field time, enhance survey site coverage, and increase quantification of key time periods such as crepuscular and nocturnal hours. Moreover, digital files provide searchable, independently verifiable records. Historical impediments to the use of bioacoustics have diminished with unit costs declining and data storage capacities increasing. Recent software developments enable rapid extraction of targeted bird calls and facilitate ease of data analysis. This paper details the recent application of bioacoustic technology at a proposed wind farm site in the upper North I, New Zealand. In this case, bioacoustics were employed as a supplement to on-site field observations and as a complement to avian radar technology. Results illustrate the utility of bioacoustic methods, highlighting the range and scale of potential data outputs. In addition to the detection of flight calls and song, audible wing flap noise may provide a further means of identification for some species. Targeted monitoring of migrant birds, cryptic marshbirds, and rare seabirds are identified as potential future applications.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 75-80
%N 2
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Steer%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Bird fauna of Motu Kaikoura, New Zealand
%A Mel Galbraith
%A Graham Jones
%K bird fauna
%K ecological restoration
%K Hauraki Gulf
%K Motu Kaikoura
%K Selwyn Island
%X An annotated checklist of the birds of Motu Kaikoura (Selwyn Island) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, is provided from surveys carried out between Dec 2006 and Jun 2008, supplemented by other recent observations. Thirty-seven species were recorded, including 25 species of land or wetland birds, and 12 species of seabirds and shorebirds. A total of 26 species were indigenous and 11 species were exotic. Motu Kaikoura was gazetted as a scenic reserve in 2004, with ecological restoration a key aim of its management. The 564 ha island has low vegetation diversity, reflecting a long history of anthropogenic degradation. Fallow deer (Dama dama), rats (Rattus spp.), mice (Mus musculus) and feral cats (Felis catus) were present on the island. Eradication of invasive mammals has been a management priority, with the bird surveys representing baseline data against which the progress of ecological restoration can be measured.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 1-7
%N 1
%9 Paper
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Galbraith%20%26%20Jones%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T A census of reef herons (Ardea sacra) in the Marlborough Sounds
%A Mike Bell
%K census
%K Marlborough Sounds
%K population estimate
%K reef heron
%X A total of 57 reef herons (Ardea sacra) were counted during a survey of the entire 1,500 km coastline of the Marlborough Sounds in spring 2006. Most birds were encountered in the outer part of the sounds rather than the more developed inner sounds. The total New Zealand population is estimated at 300-500 birds. Both the Marlborough Sounds and national population appears to have been stable for the past 40 years. With a small but stable population the reef heron’s threat classification in New Zealand should be changed from Nationally Vulnerable to Naturally Uncommon. The species is secure overseas with New Zealand being the southernmost limit for the species.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 152-155
%N 3
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Bell%202010_0.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T A census of variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor) in the Marlborough Sounds
%A Mike Bell
%K breeding distribution
%K census
%K Marlborough Sounds
%K population estimate
%K variable oystercatcher
%X A total of 730 variable oystercatchers (Haematopus unicolor) were recorded during a survey of the entire 1,500 km coastline of the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand in spring 2006. This included 347 breeding pairs, 28 single birds and a non-breeding flock of 8 birds. The distribution of oystercatchers was influenced by habitat and human development, with fewer birds found in the inner sounds, where there is most development, and in the exposed outer coastline, where cliff or boulder habitat is limiting. Using similar methods of coastal surveys during the breeding season, the estimated national population of oystercatchers has increased from 2000 birds in 1970-71 to 7000 birds in 2006. This represents a population growth rate of 3.5% per annum. Winter flock counts give lower population estimates and coastal surveys are recommended for future monitoring of this species.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 169-172
%N 4
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Bell%202010_1.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Diurnal pattern of mass in an urban Marlborough population of silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis)
%A Mike Bell
%A Conori Bell
%K Diurnal weight change
%K mass-dependent starvation risk
%K silvereye
%K Zosterops lateralis
%X Silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) in an urban population in Marlborough, New Zealand showed considerable diurnal changes in body mass. At first light, average mass was 12.39 g, rising to 13.91 g by dusk. This represented a 12% average loss of mass overnight. The overall average mass was 13.22 g; birds were 6% below average at 0700 h, but increased rapidly to be near the average for most of the day, rising significantly in the 2 hours before dusk (1700 h). This pattern of diurnal mass change is consistent with theoretical models suggesting that birds should manipulate daily mass gain in order to trade-off starvation risk with mass-dependent predation risk.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 148-151
%N 3
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Bell%20%26%20Bell%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T First documented record of watercock (Gallicrex cinerea) in Oceania
%A Donald W. Buden
%A Glenn McKinlay
%K Gallicrex cinerea
%K Kosrae
%K Micronesia
%K Oceania
%K watercock
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 96-97
%N 2
%9 Short note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Buden%20%26%20McKinlay%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Fledging behaviour of juvenile northern royal albatrosses (Diomedea sanfordi): a GPS tracking study
%A Bindi Thomas
%A Edward O. Minot
%A John D. Holland
%K Diomedea sanfordi
%K GPS
%K juvenile
%K migration
%K New Zealand
%K northern royal albatross
%K tracking
%X Using GPS technology, we tracked 3 juvenile northern royal albatrosses (Diomedea sanfordi) as they fledged from Taiaroa Head, Otago Peninsula, New Zealand. All birds flew north along the east coast of New Zealand before undertaking a trans-Pacific easterly migration to Chile. During their 8500 km migration, the maximum daily distance and speed reached were 1047 km and 110 km h-1, respectively, and the maximum altitude was 38 m a.s.l. Upon leaving New Zealand waters, the 3 albatrosses took between 16 to 34 days to reach the coast of Chile where they remained between 23°S and 58°S. The tracked albatrosses generally kept to within 100 km of the coast where the depth of water varied between 1000 and 2000 m. Overall, the tracked albatrosses on the Chilean coast spent 72% of the time resting on the water, primarily between 1800 h and 2400 h local time. Fix success rate of the GPS technology ranged from 56% to 85%. The use of solar charging and a long attachment period allowed birds to be followed continuously for 134 to 362 days. Our study confirms the value of GPS technology in uncovering the movements and life history of wide-ranging oceanic birds.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 135-147
%N 3
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Thomas%20et%20al.%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T "Fright moult" in kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) during capture results in loss of tail feathers
%A Monica Awasthy
%K feather loss
%K fright moult
%K Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
%K Kereru
%K mist-netting
%K tail
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 37-38
%N 1
%9 Short note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Awasthy%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T The impact of electrocution on the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae)
%A Nick C. Fox
%A Colin Wynn
%K electrocution
%K Falco novaeseelandiae
%K Marlborough
%K mortality
%K New Zealand Falcon
%X In a 5 year radiotracking study of 55 falcons on the Wairau Plain, Marlborough, the causes of death in 21 birds were identified. Of these, 10 (47%) falcons were electrocuted (7 juvenile females, 1 adult female, 1 juvenile male, and 1 adult male). Seven of the 10 poles were fitted with transformers. This level of mortality is thought to be too high to sustain a population of falcons. Suggestions are made how to mitigate the problem.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 71-74
%N 2
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Fox%20%26%20Wynn%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T An introduction most determined: Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) to New Zealand
%A John Dyer
%A Murray Williams
%K acclimatisation
%K Anas platyrhynchos
%K introduction
%K mallard
%K New Zealand
%X The introductions of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) to New Zealand, and their breeding and release as a game bird by Acclimatisation Societies are summarised. We identify 19 importations, 14 of which (a total of 115 birds all from Great Britain) were sufficient to establish small feral populations in southern and central New Zealand by about 1910. Five subsequent importations were made by Aucklander C.A. Whitney, 3 from Great Britain in 1910 (6 birds), 1914 (number unconfirmed) and 1927 (393 birds), followed by 99 birds (1937) and 45 eggs (1941) both from the USA. It was Whitney’s distribution of eggs following his initial USA importation that prompted widespread breeding and release programmes which, in some regions, extended into the 1960’s and 70’s. We identify a minimum of 30,000 mallards having been released by Acclimatisation Societies, but numerous releases by private individuals remain unrecorded. Almost all regional Acclimatisation Societies at some time released mallards into the wild.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 178-195
%N 4
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Dyer%20%26%20Williams%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Numbers and distribution of New Zealand king shag (Leucocarbo carunculatus) colonies in the Marlborough Sounds, September-December 2006
%A Mike Bell
%K breeding distribution
%K Marlborough Sounds
%K new colonies
%K New Zealand King Shag
%K population size
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 33-36
%N 1
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Bell%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Seasonal variation in duck populations on the Waihopai River, Invercargill, New Zealand
%A Jamie R. Wood
%A Christopher J. Garden
%K duck
%K hunting
%K mallard
%K refugia
%K seasonal population trends
%X Seasonal variation in size of duck populations was examined using weekly surveys along a 1.5 km section of the Waihopai River, Invercargill, New Zealand, between Jul 1995 and Jul 1996. Six species were recorded: mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) (n = 8307), New Zealand shoveler (A. variegata) (n = 285), grey duck (A. superciliosa) (n = 36), paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) (n = 4), grey teal (A. gracilis) (n = 1), and New Zealand scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae) (n = 1). Asynchronous seasonal trends were observed for mallard/grey duck and shoveler populations: mallard/grey duck numbers peaked during duck hunting season, whereas New Zealand shoveler peaked just prior, and declined during hunting season. A relatively constant rise in mallard/grey duck from Jan to late Jun highlights the difficulties in distinguishing the relative effects of post-breeding moult congregations vs. dispersal to refugia from hunting–related disturbance.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 57-62
%N 2
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Wood%20%26%20Garden%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Two voice system found in the Australasian gannet (Morus serrator)
%A C.R. Krull
%A M.E. Hauber
%K Australasian gannet
%K Morus serrator vocalisations
%K two voice system
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 162-165
%N 3
%9 Short Note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Krull%20%26%20Hauber%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Use of radio telemetry to determine home range and movements of the bellbird (Anthornis melanura) - a feasibility study
%A E. B. Spurr
%A K.M. Borkin
%A S. Rod
%K Anthornis melanura
%K Bellbird
%K home ranges
%K movements
%K radio telemetry
%X Radio transmitters were successfully attached to 7 male bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) in Kennedy’s Bush and Cass Peak Reserve, Port Hills, Christchurch, during the breeding season. A hand-held radio receiver was used to re-locate them. In addition, we used a grid of 4 remote continuously-operating proximity sensors (radio receivers connected to data loggers) to measure the home-range size of 1 bellbird (#7). Five of the bellbirds were detected regularly within 60 m of the site where they were captured. The other 2 were always detected at least 100 m away. Two of the 5 regularly detected near their capture location were occasionally detected 400–500 m away, in gullies with flowering flax (Phormium tenax) and kowhai (Sophora microphylla). The full home range (100% MCP) of bellbird #7 was at least 3.7 ha, and its core home range (90% MCP) was at least 0.2 ha. Its night-time roost was near the centre of its home range. First departure from the roost was before sunrise and last arrival about sunset. If used more extensively, radio telemetry would be useful for measuring home ranges and detecting long-range movements of bellbirds.
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 63-70
%N 2
%9 Full article
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Spurr%20et%20al.%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2010
%T Weka (Gallirallus australis) predation of a house mouse (Mus musculus)
%A Shaun C. Ogilvie
%K Gallirallus australis
%K house mouse
%K Mus musculus
%K predation
%K Weka
%B Notornis
%V 57
%P 101-102
%N 2
%9 Short note
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Ogilvie%202010.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2009
%T Breeding biology of the New Zealand kaka (Nestor meridionalis)(Psittacidae, Nestorinae)
%A Ralph G. Powlesland
%A Terry C. Greene
%A Peter J. Dilks
%A Ron J. Moorhouse
%A Les R. Moran
%A Genevieve Taylor
%A Alan Jones
%A Dave E. Wills
%A Claude K. August
%A Andrew C.L. August
%K eggs
%K endangered
%K episodic breeder
%K incubation
%K masting
%K nest site
%K nesting success
%K nestlings
%K predation
%K Psittacidae
%X The kaka (Nestor meridionalis) is an endemic parrot of New Zealand, and is nationally endangered. Conservation of the species is primarily dependent on intensive control of introduced mammalian nest predators, particularly stoats (Mustela erminea) and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula). Breeding was studied in 4 sites: Waipapa (1996-2002) and Whirinaki (1998-2002) in the North Island, and Rotoiti (1997-2002) and Eglinton (1998-2002) in the South Island. In total, 145 nests were found. The proportion of radio-tagged females that bred at a site in a given year varied from 0-100%, with most breeding occurring in years of mast-fruiting or seeding by key food tree species. Kaka nested mainly in trunk cavities of live canopy or emergent trees. Egg-laying occurred from Oct to Mar, but differed between years within sites by up to a month, and was usually 2 months later at the most southern site (Eglinton) than elsewhere. Mean egg length was 41.5 mm, mean maximum breadth was 31.5 mm, and fresh egg mass was 22.6 g or 5.65% of female body weight. Clutches consisted of 1-8 eggs, most being of 3, 4 or 5 eggs (mode = 5), and mean clutch size did not differ significantly between the sites. The female alone carried out incubation, with her mate feeding her 8-12 times a day. Overall, hatching success varied from 39-66% between sites, but it also varied between breeding seasons at each site, in part due to the level of control of introduced predatory mammals. Kaka nestlings were covered in white down at hatching, and left the nest when c. 70 days old. Even when 11-20 days old, they were left unattended at night for 20-70% of time and by day for 50-85% of time. Twice females were filmed aggressively attempting to evict stoats that had killed broods in their nest cavities. Breeding productivity (proportion of eggs that produced fledglings) in the 4 study sites varied from 19% at Whirinaki (no control of predatory mammals) to 53% at Eglinton (intense control of predatory mammals). The implications of the breeding biology of the kaka are discussed in relation to conservation management of the species.
%B Notornis
%V 56
%P 11-33
%G eng
%N 1
%9 article
%1 Notornis_56_1_11.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_56_1_11.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2009
%T Canopy and above canopy movements of birds on Whatupuke Island, New Zealand
%A A. J. Beauchamp
%A Katrina Hansen
%A Gerard Pilon
%K bird movements
%K canopy flights
%K monitoring
%K Whatupuke Island
%B Notornis
%V 56
%P 213-216
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_56_4_213.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_56_4_213.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2009
%T Phylogenetic analysis of the 24 named albatross taxa based on full mitochondrial cytochrome b DNA sequences
%A Geoffrey K. Chambers
%A Cassidy Moeke
%A Ryan Steel
%A John W.H. Trueman
%K albatross
%K cytochrome b DNA
%K molecular systematics
%K phylogeny
%X A stable evidence-based taxonomy is a critical requirement for the effective future conservation of the albatrosses. Recently published partial molecular phylogenies are in broad agreement with respect to the structure of the evolutionary tree for most named taxa, but the analytical methods used to create them have been seriously criticised and they must be considered provisional at best. A further problem is that their authors reach startlingly different conclusions regarding the numbers of taxa which should be recognised as species; 13 vs. 24. Here, we attempt to resolve this situation by supplying full length mitochondrial cytochrome b data presently missing for 2 taxa, carrying out thorough phylogenetic analyses meeting the requirements of published prescriptions and taking into full account other sources of new molecular data and contemporary opinions on albatross nomenclature and the status of taxa. We provide general support for the published trees and critically evaluate claims regarding how many taxa represent full species. Some genetic distances between pairs of taxa are so small that considerable weight of alternative evidence is required to support any decision leading to a recommendation to split them. We note that the empirical boundary between consensus and controversy falls at or around 1% DNA sequence divergence and further that few, if any, commentators recognise taxa that are separated by less than 0.1% as being valid species.
%B Notornis
%V 56
%P 82-94
%G eng
%N 2
%9 article
%1 Notornis_56_2_82.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_56_2_82.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2009
%T The roles of predation, microclimate and cavity abundance in the evolution of New Zealand
%A Bryan K. Rhodes
%A Colin F.J. O'Donnell
%A Ian G. Jamieson
%K cavity nesting
%K microclimate
%K New Zealand
%K predation
%X Tree-cavity nesting is common for a broad range of bird species throughout the world. However, the majority of information on the use of cavity nests is largely derived from the Northern Hemisphere with little data originating from tropical or southern temperate areas. We discuss 3 factors (predation, microclimate, and cavity abundance) that may have shaped the evolution of New Zealand
%B Notornis
%V 56
%P 190-200
%G eng
%N 4
%9 article
%1 Notornis_56_4_190.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_56_4_190.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2009
%T Some observations on the behaviour of the critically endangered orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) on Maud Island, New Zealand
%A Luis Ortiz-Catedral
%K Cyanoramphus malherbi
%K Maud Island
%K Orange-fronted Parakeet
%K time budget
%B Notornis
%V 56
%P 165-166
%G eng
%N 3
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_56_3_165.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_56_3_165.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2009
%T Two Late Quaternary avifaunal assemblages from the Dunback district, eastern Otago, South Island, New Zealand
%A Jamie R. Wood
%K fossil birds
%K Holocene
%K moa
%K Otago
%B Notornis
%V 56
%P 154-157
%G eng
%N 3
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_56_3_154.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_56_3_154.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T "Acoustic anchoring" and the successful translocation of North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) to a New Zealand mainland management site within continuous forest
%A Laura E. Molles
%A Ana Calcott
%A Denis Peters
%A George Delamare
%A Jeff Hudson
%A John Innes
%A Ian Flux
%A Joe Waas
%K Callaeas cinerea wilsoni
%K conservation
%K endangered species
%K management
%K North Island kokako
%K playback
%K reintroduction
%K song
%X In Jul and Aug 2005, 18 North Is kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) were released into a 450-ha area of New Zealand native forest subject to intensive control of introduced mammalian predators. The area, Ngapukeriki (near Omaio, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand), lies within a 13,000-ha matrix of native and exotic forest subject to lower and variable degrees of predator control. In contrast to most previous kokako translocations, this project employed 3 tactics to maximise the likelihood that kokako would remain in the target area: 1) many birds were released in a short period; 2) playback of kokako song was broadcast in the release area (potentially creating an
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 57-68
%G eng
%N 2
%9 article
%1 Notornis_55_2_57.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_2_57.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T The birds of Nauru
%A Donald W. Buden
%K band recoveries
%K birdlife
%K distribution
%K Micronesia
%K Nauru
%K Pacific Ocean
%X Thirty-four species of birds are recorded from the isolated Pacific island of Nauru. Six are treated as hypothetical pending corroboration; 3 others are introductions. Eighteen of the 25 indigenous species are non-breeding visitors (mainly migrating seabirds and shorebirds). The 7 confirmed or probable resident breeders include only 2 land birds, the Micronesian pigeon (Ducula oceanica) and the endemic Nauru reed-warbler (Acrocephalus rehsei). The Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus) and white-winged tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) are reported as first records for Nauru. Hunting pressure and habitat degradation have contributed to reduced numbers of the Micronesian pigeon and the once abundant black noddy (Anous minutus), but the Nauru reed-warbler occurs commonly in degraded and modified habitats. Second-stage mining to recover phosphate deposits will likely reduce available habitat further for all resident breeding species, although land restoration is also planned. Bird band recoveries indicate that many seabirds, especially black noddies, reach Nauru thousands of kilometres from where they were fledged, but to what extent they are recruited into the local breeding population is unknown.
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 8-19
%G eng
%N 1
%9 article
%1 Notornis_55_1_8.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_1_8.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T DNA sequencing detects an additional museum specimen of the Chatham Island taiko (Pterodroma magantae)
%A Hayley A. Lawrence
%A R. Paul Scofield
%A Craig D. Millar
%A David M. Lambert
%K Chatham Island Taiko
%K mitochondrial DNA
%K museum specimen
%K Pseudobulweria rostrata
%K Pterodroma magentae
%K Tahiti petrel
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 216-218
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_4_216.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_4_216.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T DNA sexing of the critically endangered New Zealand storm petrel (Oceanites maorianus, or Pealeornis maoriana)
%A Bruce C. Robertson
%A Brent M. Stephenson
%K conservation
%K molecular sexing
%K New Zealand storm petrel
%K Oceanites maorianus
%K Pealeornis maoriana
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 209-211
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_4_209.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_4_209.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T Hybridisation between mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and grey duck (A. superciliosa) on Lord Howe Island and management options
%A John P. Tracey
%A Brian S. Lukins
%A Chris Haselden
%K control
%K grey duck
%K hybridisation
%K Lord Howe Island
%K mallard
%X Introduced mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) occur on many islands of the South Pacific, where they hybridise with the resident grey duck (A. superciliosa). In October 2007, we conducted systematic surveys of Lord Howe Island to estimate the abundance and distribution of grey ducks, mallards, and their hybrids. Hybrids were common in areas of high public use, particularly where there was mown or grazed grass. Phenotypic characteristics suggest that mallards are now dominant and have supplanted the native grey duck, with 81% of birds classified as mallard or mallard-like hybrids, 17% as intermediate hybrids and only 2% as grey duck-like hybrids. No pure grey duck were observed. These hybrids pose direct and indirect economic, social and environmental impacts to Lord Howe Island. A management program to remove mallards using trapping, shooting and opportunistic capture by hand was conducted in October 2007. Standardised indices of duck abundance before and after management indicates that the total population was reduced by 71.7%. Eradication of mallard and hybrids from Lord Howe Island is considered achievable with a program of education, monitoring, and continued control to prevent re-establishment.
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 1-7
%G eng
%N 1
%9 article
%1 Notornis_55_1_1.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_1_1.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T Marine and coastal bird survey of islands in the Southern Lagoon, New Caledonia
%A Marleen Baling
%A Dianne H. Brunton
%A Darryl Jeffries
%K bird surveys
%K marine lagoons
%K New Caledonia
%K seabirds
%K Waders
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 111-113
%G eng
%N 2
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_2_111.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_2_111.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T Monitoring grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) in a restoration project on Motuora Island, Hauraki Gulf
%A Robin Gardner-Gee
%A Matt Rayner
%A Jacqueline R. Beggs
%K Grey-faced Petrel
%K Motuora
%K Pterodroma macroptera
%K restoration
%K seabirds
%X Motuora is a highly modified island in the Hauraki Gulf that is currently being re-vegetated. It is envisaged that the island will eventually be restored to a native forest system with strong seabird influences. The island retains a small breeding population of grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi). In 2005 a survey of the accessible areas of the coastal margin was carried out to estimate the current size of the population. The survey located 406 active burrows and it was estimated that approximately 260-280 burrows contained incubating pairs. There was some evidence that active burrow numbers had increased at established breeding areas since the last survey in 1995, but differences between survey methods made comparisons difficult. Fixed monitoring plots were put in place in 2005 to provide a standardized measure of changes in burrow activity. Between 2005 and 2007 no change in the number of active burrows was discernible in the fixed plots. Longer term monitoring will be required to determine the population dynamics of the Motuora grey-faced petrels as evidence from other locations indicates that growth (if it occurs) will be slow. Consequently, seabird numbers (and associated nutrient inputs) on Motuora are likely to be below pre-disturbance levels for many decades. These results highlight the challenges of ecosystem restoration in highly modified habitats.
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 184-190
%G eng
%N 4
%9 article
%1 Notornis_55_4_184.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_4_184.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T Mutualistic and opportunistic foraging by red-billed gull (Larus novaehollandiae) around Hooker's sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri)
%A Ben D. Bell
%K Campbell Island
%K Enderby Island
%K Hooker's sea lion
%K mutualism
%K red-billed gull
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 224-225
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_4_224.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_4_224.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T Sightings and capture of Kermadec storm petrels (Pelagodroma marina albiclunis), off Haszard Island and the Meyer Islets, Kermadec Islands, in 2004
%A M. J. Imber
%A B. M. Stephenson
%K Kermadec Islands
%K Kermadec storm petrel
%K morphology
%K Pelagodroma marina albiclunis
%K possible breeding sites
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 166-170
%G eng
%N 3
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_3_166.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_3_166.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T South Georgian diving petrel (Pelecanoides georgicus) bones from a Maori midden on Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
%A Jamie R. Wood
%A Shar Briden
%K midden
%K Otago
%K Pelecanoides georgicus
%K South Georgia diving petrel
%K subfossil
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 46-47
%G eng
%N 1
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_1_46.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_1_46.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T Successful fostering of a captive-reared New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) into a natural nest containing 3 fledglings
%A Richard Seaton
%A Debbie Stewart
%A Noel Hyde
%K Falco novaeseelandiae
%K fostering
%K management
%K New Zealand Falcon
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 96-97
%G eng
%N 2
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_2_96.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_2_96.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2008
%T Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) increase at Seatoun, Miramar Peninsula, Wellington, New Zealand during 1998-2006
%A Ben D. Bell
%K Miramar Peninsula
%K New Zealand
%K population recovery
%K Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
%K tui
%B Notornis
%V 55
%P 104-106
%G eng
%N 2
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_55_2_104.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_55_2_104.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2007
%T Assessing flight characteristics for the Chatham albatross (Thalassarche eremita) from satellite tracking
%A D.G. Nicholls
%A C. J. R. Robertson
%K air speed
%K albatross
%K Chatham albatross
%K CLS-Argos
%K ground speed
%K migration
%K satellite tracking
%K telemetry
%K Thalassarche eremita
%K ‘rest and recreation’
%X From satellite tracking data, we recognised 5 major flight patterns in the annual cycles of 3 Chatham albatrosses (Thalassarche eremita) tracked in 1997 and 1998: foraging flights while the birds were breeding; eastward and westward migrations across the southern Pacific Ocean; northward migration along the South American coast; and localised foraging at low latitudes off the northwest coast of South America. We hypothesised that the 5 modes of flight indicated different biological activity. The associated speeds, point-to-point distances flown day-1, and other indices of activity were inferred from distances and times between satellite location records. Mean minimum point-to-point flight speeds were up to 85 km h-1 and were a function of the time interval for the measurement. Daily rates of change for latitude and longitude and the minimum daily distances travelled were calculated. These are the 1st measurements for this species of the sustained speed of flight point-to-point over varied time periods, and for short and long distances throughout the year. These data and the analytical techniques developed show what information can be obtained from a few individuals, and the confounding variables that result from the satellites’ orbits, and the transmitting characteristics of long-duration PTT experiments. The interrupted reception of transmitters through the intermittent satellite passes biases speed and other measurements and difficulties interpreting these data are discussed. The results provide a guide to the design of satellite transmitter experiments for long distance and duration studies with other oceanic species. They also contribute to an understanding of where this species obtains its food, and of its potential risk of interaction with fisheries.
%B Notornis
%V 54
%P 168-179
%G eng
%N 3
%9 article
%1 Notornis_54_3_168.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_54_3_168.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2007
%T Birds of Motuhoropapa I, Noises Group, Hauraki Gulf, North Is, New Zealand
%A J. W. B. Mackay
%A J. C. Russell
%A S.H. Anderson
%K Hauraki Gulf
%K Motuhoropapa Island
%K New Zealand
%K species lists
%X Bird observations made during visits to Motuhoropapa Island between Nov 2004 and Sep 2006 have been compiled and compared to a bird list published in 1985. Variable oystercatcher (Haematopus unicolor) and paradise shelduck (Tadorna variegata) were recorded on the island for the 1st time, and tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) were recorded breeding. The island has now been free of introduced rats since 2002; the implications of the absence of rodents for birds on the island are discussed.
%B Notornis
%V 54
%P 197-200
%G eng
%N 4
%9 article
%1 Notornis_54_4_197.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_54_4_197.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2007
%T Population density and detectability of 3 species of Fijian forest birds
%A D. Jackson
%A R. Jit
%K bird detectability
%K Fiji
%K forest bird
%K giant forest honeyeater
%K golden dove
%K island endemic
%K masked shining parrot
%K population estimate
%X Three endemic forest bird species, masked shining parrot Prosopeia personata, giant forest honeyeater Gymnomyza viridis, and golden dove Chrysoenas luteovirens were surveyed using distance sampling from forest tracks at 4 sites on Viti Levu, Fiji. Repeat surveys were made at 1 site to better understand the factors affecting detectability. Seasonal changes in detectability reflected the number of calling birds and were almost certainly linked to breeding. The highest mean densities (41 masked shining parrot km-2 (birds), 33 giant forest honeyeater km-2 (calling birds) and 14 golden dove km-2 (calling males)) were found in low
%B Notornis
%V 54
%P 99-111
%G eng
%N 2
%9 article
%1 Notornis_54_2_99.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_54_2_99.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2007
%T Survival estimates of Antarctic terns (Sterna vittata bethunei) on the Snares Islands, New Zealand
%A P. M. Sagar
%A C. M. Miskelly
%A R. P. Scofield
%A J. L. Sagar
%K Antarctic tern
%K Laridae
%K mortality
%K New Zealand
%K predator-free
%K Snares Islands
%K Sterna vittata
%X The survival of adult and fledgling Antarctic terns (Sterna vittata bethunei) at the subantarctic Snares Islands was studied from 1976 to 2007. Annual adult survival was 0.91 and that of birds banded as fledglings was 0.42 in the first year and 0.94 in subsequent years. On average, a breeding adult would have a reproductive life-span of 10.2 years while a fledgling that survived the first year would have a life expectancy of 17.4 years. The disparity between the survival of birds banded as breeding adults and fledglings is probably be due to relatively small samples sizes. The estimated survival rates of Antarctic terns are similar to those reported for New Zealand fairy terns (S. nereis davisae). No terrestrial predators occur at the Snares Islands, and extensive predator-control is undertaken in the areas where New Zealand fairy terns nest, and so these survival rates may be typical of other breeding terns in the absence of terrestrial predators.
%B Notornis
%V 54
%P 214-219
%G eng
%N 4
%9 article
%1 Notornis_54_4_214.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_54_4_214.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2006
%T Breeding biology of morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua, New Zealand.
%A Brent M. Stephenson
%A Edward O. Minot
%K breeding biology
%K juvenile dispersal
%K morepork
%K Ninox novaeseelandiae
%K Owl
%K reproductive success
%X We studied the New Zealand morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) over 2 breeding seasons on Mokoia I, Lake Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. Ten pairs were monitored in the 1995/96 breeding season and 8 in the 1996/97 season. Nest sites included tree cavities, hollows amongst tree fern fronds, nest boxes provided for saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus) and scrapes on the groung. Nest cavities were 0-5.2 m agl. Clutch size was 1-3 eggs; egg dimensions averaged 39.0 mm × 32.9 mm. The incubation period for 1 clutch was at least 24 days. Only females were observed to incubate eggs and brood nestlings; males roosted nearby. Two chicks were weighed and measured throughout their development and the nestling period was determined for 1 chick. Nestling development is described. Breeding success was lower in the year after a poisoning operation to eradicate mice from the island. Juvenile mortality was high after fledging. The dispersal of 3 juveniles was monitored, and females appeared to move earlier and disperse farther than males.
%B Notornis
%V 53
%P 308-315
%G eng
%N 3
%9 article
%1 Notornis_53_3_308.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_53_3_308.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2006
%T A parrot apart: the natural history of the kakapo ( Strigops habroptilus ), and the context of its conservation management
%A Ralph G. Powlesland
%A Don V. Merton
%A John F. Cockrem
%K endangered species
%K Kakapo
%K management practices
%K natural history
%K predatory mammals
%K Psittacidae
%K review
%K Strigops habroptilus
%X Since the last review of kakapo biology, published 50 years ago, much has been learnt as a result of the transfer of all known individuals to offshore islands, and their intensive management to increase adult survival and productivity. This review summarises information on a diversity of topics, including taxonomy, plumage, moult, mass, anatomy, physiology, reasons for decline in distribution, present numbers and status, sex ratio, habitat, home range, foraging activities, diet, voice, breeding biology, nesting success, sexual maturity, and adult survival. In addition, those kakapo attributes that compromise its long-term survival in present-day New Zealand are discussed, along with management practises developed to overcome these problems.
%B Notornis
%V 53
%P 3-26
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_53_1_3.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_53_1_3.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2006
%T The role of genetics in kakapo recovery
%A Bruce C. Robertson
%K genetic diversity
%K genetic similarity
%K molecular ageing
%K molecular sexing
%K paternity
%K Strigops habroptilus
%X A growing literature indicates that genetic factors have a significant impact on the persistence of populations and hence play an important role in species recovery. Here, I review the role of genetic research in the recovery program of the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus). By using three examples of how genetics has guided kakapo managers (molecular sexing, quantification of genetic diversity and confirmation of paternity from known matings), I highlight the important contribution genetics has made to kakapo recovery. I also explore three new avenues of research (genetic diversity at genes for disease resistance, molecular ageing, and genetic similarity and hatching success), all of which may have important implications for future conservation management of kakapo. As such, this review demonstrates that genetic research is an integral part of kakapo recovery.
%B Notornis
%V 53
%P 173-183
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_53_1_173.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_53_1_173.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2006
%T Seasonal changes in home range size and habitat selection by kakapo ( Strigops habroptilus ) on Maud Island
%A Julie Walsh
%A Kerry-Jayne Wilson
%A Graeme P. Elliott
%K habitat selection
%K home range
%K Kakapo
%K Maud Island
%K Strigops habroptilus
%X Seasonal changes in home range size and habitat selection of kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) were investigated on Maud Island. Kakapo were radio-tracked at night in each of the four seasons between December 2000 and October 2001. Home ranges were estimated for four adult males, three juvenile males and two juvenile females in each season and for nine females in summer, each based on 20 radio-fixes per season. Home range size varied from 1.8 to 145.0 ha using the minimum convex polygon method. Home ranges were smallest in winter. Habitat selection was determined by overlaying the kakapo locations and home ranges on a vegetation map of the island. For each season selection ratios were calculated for each vegetation community. Pine plantation (Pinus radiata) was selected for in summer, whereas the treeland community dominated by five-finger (Pseudopanax arbereus) was selected for in the autumn. Dense pole stands of manuka (Leptospemum scoparium) and pasture communities were avoided by kakapo.
%B Notornis
%V 53
%P 143-149
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_53_1_143.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_53_1_143.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2006
%T A simulation of the future of kakapo
%A Graeme P. Elliott
%K Kakapo
%K model
%K population trajectory
%K Strigops habroptilus
%X The recent productivity and survival of the critically endangered kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is summarised and its population trajectory in a variety of circumstances is modelled by simulation. Simulated kakapo population growth rates decline with decreasing intensity of management, and unmanaged kakapo on Codfish Island increase only slowly and have a significant risk of declining. Kakapo on islands where more than one fruiting species triggers their breeding have much higher growth rates than kakapo on islands where only rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) triggers their breeding. The models predict that kakapo will reach a predetermined population milestone of 53 females in 2 - 6 years depending on the number of fruiting species that trigger breeding. At this milestone the intensity of conservation management will be reduced. Conservation management will be further reduced at a second predetermined milestone of 150 females in 19 - 37 years.
%B Notornis
%V 53
%P 164-172
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_53_1_164.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_53_1_164.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2006
%T The timing of breeding in the kakapo ( Strigops habroptilus )
%A John F. Cockrem
%K Kakapo
%K mast seeding
%K photoperiod
%K seasonal breeding
%K Strigops habroptilus
%X The kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) is a nocturnal, herbivorous parrot that shows lek behaviour and does not breed every year. When breeding does occur, egg-laying and incubation in mid-summer are followed by a prolonged period of chick-rearing, with all parental care provided by the female. Breeding years for kakapo are associated with mast seeding years for a range of forest trees and plants, and the periodicity of kakapo breeding is linked with the periodicity of years of large seed and fruit production by their major plant foods. Kakapo are likely to have an annual cycle of gonadal growth and regression driven by the annual cycle of daylength, with breeding occurring in years when kakapo respond to cues from a range of plant species that undergo masting. Kakapo breeding is initiated in response to cues that appear in early summer, but in some years there is insufficient food for the rearing of young in the following autumn. Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum) is an important food source for chick rearing and is likely to provide an important cue for kakapo in areas where rimu is present.
%B Notornis
%V 53
%P 153-159
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_53_1_153.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_53_1_153.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2005
%T Band recoveries of southern royal albatrosses ( Diomedea epomophora ) from Campbell Island, 1943-2003
%A Peter J. Moore
%A Susan M. Bettany
%K band recoveries
%K Campbell Island
%K Diomedea epomophora
%K dispersal
%K fisheries bycatch
%K mortality
%K southern ocean
%K southern royal albatross
%X 35,289 southern royal albatrosses (Diomedea epomophora) were banded on Campbell Island between 1941 and 1998, including 24,258 chicks and 11,031 adults. By 2003, 240 (0.68%) band recoveries and live recaptures away from Campbell Island had been reported. Birds banded as chicks were reported at a median age of 2 years (range 1-28 yrs), and adults at a median of 4 years after banding (range 0-27 yrs). The peak of band recoveries occurred close to the peak of banding in the late 1960s. Recoveries were generally made between latitudes 30-55
%B Notornis
%V 52
%P 195-205
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_52_4_195.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_52_4_195.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2005
%T Capture and handling of saddlebacks during pre-nesting does not affect timing of egg-laying or reproductive success
%A Ian G. Jamieson
%A Jemma L. Grant
%A Brent M. Beaven
%K egg-laying
%K mist-netting
%K Petroica australis rakiura
%K Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus
%K South Island saddleback
%K Stewart Island robins
%K Ulva Island
%X We examine whether mist-netting and handling of birds (including taking blood samples) during the pre-nesting period caused egg-laying to be delayed in a threatened species, South Island saddleback (tïeke) Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus. We used data on egg-laying dates of first clutches for 12 pairs in 2002-03 and 22 pairs in 2003- 04, of which 3 (2002-03) and 7 (2003-04) pairs had been caught and handled. There was a significant delay in the peak laying period of first clutches in 2003-04, which was associated with more birds being caught and handled. However, pairs that were handled showed typical laying dates of first clutches for both experienced and inexperienced pairs, and there was no significant correlation between the date when a pair was caught and the date of laying its first clutch. There were also no significant differences between handled and non-handled pairs in the number of chicks raised or fledged. Like saddlebacks, Stewart Island robins Petroica australis rakiura monitored at the same site showed a two-week delay in the average laying dates of first clutches in 2003-04. The five inexperienced robin pairs in 2002-03 laid their first clutches earlier in 2003-04, but all three experienced pairs laid later. Weather data indicated it was substantially colder before the nesting period in 2003 compared to 2002, suggesting that colder weather conditions plus a greater number of inexperienced pairs caused a delay in peak egg laying in both species in 2003-04 relative to 2002-03. We conclude that mist-netting, banding and bleeding – standard technique used in present-day research of threatened avian species – did not have any measured short-term effects on nesting behaviour or breeding success of South Island saddlebacks.
%B Notornis
%V 52
%P 81-87
%G eng
%N 2
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_52_2_81.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_52_2_81.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2005
%T Detecting population trends of Gibson's and Antipodean wandering albatrosses
%A Graeme Elliott
%A Kath Walker
%K Diomedea sp.
%K mark-recapture
%K Population counts
%K simulation model
%X Counts, mark-recapture estimates of abundance, and simulations were used to assess the population trends of Antipodean wandering albatross (Diomedea antipodensis) and Gibson's wandering albatross (D. gibsoni). Estimates of population size based on mark-recapture analysis had much greater power to detect trends than did annual counts of nests. In fact, nest counts were so variable that significant trends would only be detected when populations had already changed by more than 25%. Population simulation models were constructed using survival and productivity data from the two species, and recruitment data from closely related species. The simulation models were sensitive to variation in recruitment data and suggested that the recruitment of Gibson's wandering albatrosses is significantly lower than that of Antipodean wandering albatrosses. The sensitivity of the models to variation in the surrogate data compromises the usefulness of such models as predictive tools. After large, probably fisheries-induced declines during the 1970s and 1980s, Antipodean wandering albatross populations are now increasing at about 3.1% per annum, while Gibson's wandering albatross populations are static.
%B Notornis
%V 52
%P 215-222
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_52_4_215.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_52_4_215.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2005
%T Forest birds recolonising Wellington
%A Colin Miskelly
%A Raewyn Empson
%A Ken Wright
%K Anthornis melanura
%K Bellbird
%K Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
%K Kaka
%K Mohoua albicilla
%K Nestor meridionalis
%K Petroica macrocephala
%K recolonisation
%K red-crowned parakeet
%K Tomtit
%K translocation
%K Wellington
%K whitehead
%X Kaka (Nestor meridionalis), red-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae), whitehead (Mohoua albicilla), tomtit (Petroica macrocephala), and bellbird (Anthornis melanura) have all recently been reintroduced to sites in or near Wellington city. Prior to or concurrent with these translocations, unmarked individuals of all five species were detected in forested reserves on Wellington peninsula. Based on the number of birds seen, and frequency of sightings, we suggest that red-crowned parakeets, whiteheads and bellbirds have established resident populations in some reserves independent of translocations. We attribute these successful re-establishments to the effective control of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) and rats (Rattus sp.) undertaken by Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.
%B Notornis
%V 52
%P 21-26
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_52_1_21.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_52_1_21.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Changes in abundance of New Zealand falcon ( Falco novaeseelandiae ) in Marlborough
%A P. Gaze
%A I. Hutzler
%K decline
%K Falco novaeseelandiae
%K Marlborough
%K nest sites
%K New Zealand Falcon
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 117-119
%G eng
%N 2
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_2_117.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_2_117.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Common diving petrels ( Pelecanoides urinatrix ) recolonise Mana Island
%A C. Miskelly
%A G. Timlin
%A R. Cotter
%K common diving petrel
%K Mana Island
%K Pelecanoides urinatrix
%K recolonisation
%K translocation
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 245-246
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_4_245.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_4_245.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Co-operative hunting by subantarctic skuas ( Catharacta skua lonnbergi ) at Macquarie Island
%A M. Schulz
%K Catharacta skua lonnbergi
%K co-operative hunting
%K Macquarie Island
%K subantarctic skua
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 167-167
%G eng
%N 3
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_3_167.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_3_167.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T The extant type specimens of birds from New Zealand and the Society Islands collected on Cook's second voyage and described by Anders Sparrman in Museum Carlsonianum (1786-1789)
%A D. G. Medway
%K Cook&rsquo
%K extant type specimens
%K Museum Carlsonianum
%K New Zealand
%K s second voyage
%K Society Islands
%K Sparrman
%X Specimens of 12 species of birds from New Zealand and the Society Islands collected during Cook’s second voyage round the world (1772-1775) were described and illustrated by Anders Sparrman in Museum Carlsonianum (1786-1789). The Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm holds six specimens considered to be type specimens of some of those species. However, documentation discussed here indicates only three, spotted shag (Stictocarbo punctatus) and red-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae novaezelandiae) from New Zealand, and Tahiti lorikeet (Vini peruviana) from the Society Islands, are type specimens.
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 131-135
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_51_3_131.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_3_131.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Feeding frequency, meal size and chick growth in Pycroft's petrel ( Pterodroma pycrofti ): preparing for chick translocations in Pterodroma species
%A B. Gangloff
%A K.-J. Wilson
%K chick growth
%K meal size
%K petrel
%K Pterodroma
%K Pterodroma pycrofti
%K Pycroft&rsquo
%K s petrel
%K translocation
%X Many Pterodroma species are threatened, and translocations to predator-free islands are desirable for several species. As these birds are highly philopatric, only chicks that have not yet imprinted on their natal colony should be transferred but techniques to identify suitably aged Pterodroma nestlings are needed. We investigated feeding frequency, meal size and chick growth in Pycroft’s petrel (P. pycrofti) on Red Mercury Island, New Zealand to provide this information. Mean daily probability of being fed decreased from 0.47 60-23 days before fledging to 0.004 in the last seven days before fledging. Mean meal size was 34 g and morphometric measurements at fledging were similar to mean adult measurements. The best indicator of chick age was wing length. Transferable Pycroft’s petrel chicks should have wings measuring 149 - 184 mm and weigh 218 - 250 g.
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 26-32
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_51_1_26.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_1_26.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T First record of laughing gull ( Larus atricilla ) in French Polynesia
%A E. A. Vanderwaerf
%A R. J. Pierce
%A T. L. Tibbitts
%A J. -M. Salducci
%A V. A. Gill
%A G. Wragg
%K French Polynesia
%K Larus atricilla
%K Laughing gull
%K Mangareva
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 51-52
%G eng
%N 1
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_1_51.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_1_51.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T New evidence on the life and death of Hawkins' Rail Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi : Moriori accounts recorded by Sigvard Dannefaerd and Alexander Shand
%A J. H. Cooper
%A A. J. D. Tennyson
%K behaviour
%K Dannefaerd
%K Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi
%K extinction
%K Hawkins&rsquo
%K Moriori
%K rail
%K Shand
%X A previously unknown Moriori-based account of the extinct Hawkins’ rail (Diaphorapteryx hawkinsi) from the Chatham Islands is presented and discussed. The account, recorded by Sigvard Jacob Dannefaerd in a letter to Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild in 1895, includes details of the species’ appearance, behaviour and Moriori hunting methods. A second, similar description of a previously unidentified Chatham Islands bird is also linked to Hawkins’ rail. The clarity of the accounts suggests a considerably later extinction date for the species than previously supposed.
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 212-216
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_51_4_212.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_4_212.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T The occurrence of owls in the Marshall Islands
%A D. H. R. Spennemann
%K Asio flammeus
%K colonization
%K dispersal
%K Marshall Islands
%K Owl
%K short-eared owl
%X Short-eared owls (Asio flammeus) are capable of crossing long stretches of open water and have been successful colonisers of islands. In the central and western Pacific two established populations (on Hawai’i and on Pohnpei in Micronesia) seem to be the foci of repeated dispersal events. The paper reviews the historic and linguistic record for the occurrence of short-eared owls on the scattered atolls of the Marshall Islands, the easternmost group of Micronesia.
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 147-151
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_51_3_147.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_3_147.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Predation of banded rail ( Rallus philippensis ) nests in a saltmarsh habitat
%A K. A. Parker
%A D.H. Brunton
%K banded rail
%K Mustela erminea
%K nest predation
%K Rallus philippensis
%K stoat
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 240-241
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_4_240.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_4_240.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Predation of non-breeding wrybills in the Firth of Thames
%A P.F. Battley
%A S. J. Moore
%K Anarhynchus frontalis
%K introduced mammals
%K mortality
%K predation
%K shorebirds
%K Wrybill
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 233-234
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_4_233.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_4_233.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Snow petrel ( Pagodroma nivea ) records from Macquarie Island
%A R. P. Scofield
%A A. Wiltshire
%K distribution
%K Macquarie Island
%K Pagodroma nivea
%K snow petrel
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 168-169
%G eng
%N 3
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_3_168.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_3_168.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2004
%T Survival and dispersal of mohua ( Mohoua ochrocephala , Pachycephalidae) after transfer to Ulva Island, New Zealand
%A S. Oppel
%A B. Beaven
%K dispersal
%K Mohua
%K Mohua ochrocephala
%K survival
%B Notornis
%V 51
%P 116-117
%G eng
%N 2
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_51_2_116.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_51_2_116.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2003
%T Breeding biology of the South Island saddleback ( Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus , Callaeatidae)
%A Scott Hooson
%A Ian G. Jamieson
%K Breaksea Island
%K breeding behaviour
%K Callaeatidae
%K Motuara Island
%K Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus
%K South Island saddleback
%K Ulva Island
%X This study provides a first description of breeding biology of the South Island saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus carunculatus) and the first comparisons with North Island saddlebacks (P.c. rufusater), using data collected from Ulva (Stewart Island), Breaksea (Fiordland) and Motuara (Marlborough Sounds) Islands, New Zealand. We found courtship and copulation behaviour to be similar to that of North Island saddlebacks. So too were nest locations, heights and materials, with nest materials determined by their proximity to the nest site. On Motuara and Ulva Islands, most nests were located in natural cavities (54% and 80%, respectively), while on Breaksea Island, 67% of nests were in flax (Phormium cookianum). In the recently established Ulva Island population, saddlebacks had a median and maximum clutch size of two and laid a maximum of two clutches. This contrasts with translocated island populations of North Island saddlebacks where up to four-egg clutches and four clutches per season have been recorded for pairs breeding in the first few seasons post-release. Incubation and brooding behaviour was like that described for North Island saddleback. A small number of yearlings bred successfully on Ulva Island (0.18 birds/ha), but no yearlings bred on Motuara (0.42 birds/ha) and Breaksea (0.42 birds/ha) islands.
%B Notornis
%V 50
%P 191-201
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_50_4_191.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_4_191.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2003
%T An estimate of numbers of grey-faced petrels ( Pterodroma macroptera gouldi ) breeding on Moutohora (Whale Island), Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, during 1998-2000
%A M. J. Imber
%A Malcom Harrison
%A Saskia E. Wood
%A Reg N. Cotter
%K breeding population
%K estimate
%K Grey-faced Petrel
%K Moutohora
%K post-predation population recovery
%K Whale Island
%X Abstract Moutohora (Whale Island) holds the largest surveyed breeding colony of grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi). For our estimate of the breeding population, we divided the island into 16 sections within which burrow densities were approximately uniform; the surface areas of these sections were found by planimetry. Apparently completed burrows were counted in 1998-2000 within each section by plots of 2 m radius along linear transects, or by 10 X 10 m contiguous plots. The total estimate (± SE) for the island was 109,000 * 10,000 burrows, which equates to about 95,000 pairs breeding annually, given an occupancy rate of about 87%. The population has apparently more than doubled since Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and rabbits (Oyctolagus cuniculus) were eradicated in 1985/87.
%B Notornis
%V 50
%P 23-26
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_50_1_23.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_1_23.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2003
%T Fence removal benefits gannets ( Morus serrator ) at Muriwai, northwest Auckland, New Zealand
%A Brenda S. Greene
%K Australasian gannet
%K Morus serrator
%K Muriwai
%K New Zealand
%K population increase
%X Mainland colonies of Australasian gannet (Morus serrator) colonies at Muriwai, northwestem Auckland, New Zealand, were counted between 1999 and 2002. Fences installed in 1981 on the landward side of the colonies were removed at the end of the breeding seasons of 1996 (southern colony) and 1997 (northern colony). Counts 3 years before and after fence removal were compared. After fence removal, the total average number of birds during the peak breeding season (December and January) increased by 65%. The increase resulted largely from an increase in the average number of pairs nesting on the northern colony, and a small increase in the average maximum number of chicks on the northern and southern colonies.
%B Notornis
%V 50
%P 100-102
%G eng
%N 2
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_50_2_100.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_2_100.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2003
%T Impact of management on the breeding success of the northern New Zealand dotterel ( Charadrius obscurus aquilonius ) on Matakana Island, Bay of Plenty
%A D. E. Wills
%A J. Murray
%A R. G. Powlesland
%K Charadriidae
%K Charadrius obscurus aquilonius
%K flooding
%K Matakana Island
%K New Zealand
%K predator control
%K public disturbance
%X The breeding success of northern New Zealand dotterels (Charadrius obscurus aquilonius) on Matakana Island, Bay of Plenty, was determined over 8 seasons (1992/93-1999/2000) in managed and unmanaged areas. Management to enhance breeding success included shifting nests to reduce the risk of flooding during spring tides and storms, and reducing predator populations of brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), feral house cat (Felis catus), Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), stoat (Mustela ermines), and southern black-backed gull (Larus dominicanus) at dotterel breeding areas. Measures taken to reduce the incidence of disturbance by people on breeding dotterels included erecting fences around nesting areas, and speaking to members of the public about the plight of the species. The number of breeding pairs on Matakana Island fluctuated between 19 and 31 during the 8 seasons. Overall, 35.1% of 276 nesting attempts resulted in broods hatching. The main causes of nest failure during incubation were flooding by high tides or storms, and predation. The proportion of nests in which 1 or more eggs hatched was fairly stable during the 1993/94 to 1997/98 seasons at 26.1-33.3%, but was 68.0 and 51.3% in the last 2 years. This marked improvement in nesting success was attributed to the increased duration of pest control: starting before dotterel breeding began and continuing until most broods had fledged. Nesting success during incubation in managed habitat (47.5%) was significantly greater than in managed habitat (19.5%). Overall, 52.6% of chicks fledged. The number of chicks fledged per season (5 - 33), and fledglings produced per breeding pair (0.26 - 1.08) increased through the study In conclusion, we make suggestions to further promote the conservation of the northern New Zealand dotterel.
%B Notornis
%V 50
%P 1-10
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_50_1_1.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_1_1.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2003
%T Population estimate for northern giant petrels ( Macronectes halli ) on Antipodes Island, New Zealand
%A Alan Wiltshire
%A Sheryl Hamilton
%K Antipodes Island
%K Macronectes halli
%K northern giant petrels
%K population estimate
%X Northern giant petrel (Macronectes halli) populations are thought to be increasing at some locations around the world, decreasing at others. The size and status of their breeding populations within the New Zealand region, in particular, is poorly understood: reliable population estimates have never been made at 3 of the 5 breeding locations. A survey of pre-fledging northern giant petrel chicks on Antipodes Island, New Zealand during Jan 2000 yielded a count of 130. The total population was estimated to be c. 230 breeding pairs. Because of an absence of accurate historical surveys, the status of the Antipodes Is population is unknown.
%B Notornis
%V 50
%P 128-132
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_50_3_128.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_3_128.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2003
%T Post-fledging migration, age of first return and recruitment, and results of inter-colony translocation of black petrels ( Procellaria parkinsoni )
%A Michael J. Imber
%A Ian McFadden
%A Elizabeth A. Bell
%A R. Paul Scofield
%K Aotea
%K black petrel
%K Great Barrier Island
%K Hauturu
%K Little Barrier Island
%K migration
%K post-fledging survival
%K Procellaria parkinsoni
%K recruitment
%K translocation
%X Between 1986 and 1990,249 black petrels (Procellaria parkinsoni) close to fledging were transferred from Aotea (Great Barrier Island) 32 km west to Hauturu (Little Barrier Island) in New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf. At the same time, 50 black petrels of similar age to those transferred were banded as controls on Hauturu and 229 on Aotea. Searches for these birds returning to breeding sites on both islands began in 1991 but three times more search effort was made on more-accessible Aotea. During their first 4.8 years of life at sea the only recovery came from off Ecuador (close to where two 6 year olds were also recovered). Since then to 2001,32 birds have been recaptured or recovered in New Zealand. Most were first recaptured at 5-6 years old and first breeding at 6-7 years old. A maximum of 42% survived to 6 years old. Survival rates of transferred and control birds were similar. The 1990 cohort had significantly better survival than did the 1986-89 cohorts, and this cohort, just 21% of the experimental birds, contributed 43% of chicks known to have been reared by experimental birds to 2001. Neither body mass at departure nor the El Niño-Southern Oscillation was clearly related to this differential survival. Most transferees returned to Aotea; none of the 1986-89 cohorts was found on Hauturu but 2 of the 3 1990 transferees that were recaptured returned to Hauturu. Given that fledglings were always transferred at a similar stage of development, the earliest transfer of heavy fledglings was the most successful.
%B Notornis
%V 50
%P 183-190
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_50_4_183.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_4_183.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2003
%T The yellow-eyed penguin ( Megadyptes antipodes ) on Stewart and Codfish Islands
%A J. T. Darby
%K breeding
%K census
%K Codfish Is
%K ground search
%K habitat
%K Megadyptes antipodes
%K predation
%K Stewart Is
%K Yellow-eyed Penguin
%X Recent estimates of the number of yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes) throughout its range have led to a revised figure for the total population of this species. The number of breeding pairs on Stewart and Codfish Is together with the Auckland Is remain the least well known. Ground searches in 1984 -1994 on Stewart and Codfish Is suggested fewer birds than expected. The results of 102 ground searches of 61 localities and 118 beach counts (>700 h of observations) support a lowering of earlier estimates to c. 170-320 pairs on Stewart Is and its outliers, and 50-80 breeding pairs on Codfish Is, giving a total of 220-400 pairs for this region. The relatively few breeding pairs found on Stewart Is, based on the length of coastline and hinterland area available, together with the small groupings, suggest that predation of adults and chicks may be a factor in the relatively low numbers of this species on Stewart Is itself.
%B Notornis
%V 50
%P 148-154
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_50_3_148.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_50_3_148.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2002
%T History and causes of the extirpation of the Providence petrel ( Pterodroma solandri ) on Norfolk Island
%A David G. Medway
%K extupation
%K human harvesting
%K mammalian predation
%K Norfolk Island
%K Providence petrel
%K Pterodroma solandri
%X The population of Providence petrels (Pterodroma solandri) that nested on Norfolk Island at the time of 1st European settlement of that island in 1788 was probably >1 million pairs. Available evidence indicates that Europeans harvested many more Providence petrels in the years immediately after settlement than previously believed. About 1,000,000 Providence petrels, adults and young, were harvested in the 4 breeding seasons from 1790 to 1793 alone. Despite these enormous losses, many Providence petrels were apparently still nesting on Norfolk Island in 1795 when they are last mentioned in documents from the island. However, any breeding population that may have survived there until 1814 when Norfolk Island was abandoned temporarily was probably exterminated by the combined activities of introduced cats and pigs which had become very numerous by the time the island was re-occupied in 1825.
%B Notornis
%V 49
%P 246-258
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_49_4_246.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_49_4_246.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2002
%T The New Zealand musk duck ( Biziura delautouri Forbes, 1892)
%A Trevor H. Worthy
%K Biziura delautouri
%K morphology
%K New Zealand musk duck
%X The occurrence of musk ducks (Biziura) as fossils in New Zealand is reviewed and updated. Twenty-four bones from at least 7 individuals, and 67 elements from a single skeleton are known. Morphological differences between the fossils and the extant Australian B. lobata support continued distinction of the New Zealand form as the separate species B. delautouri.
%B Notornis
%V 49
%P 19-28
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_49_1_19.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_49_1_19.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2002
%T Post-moult dispersal of Australasian shoveler ( Anas rhynchotis ) within New Zealand
%A T.A. Caithness
%A J.W. Cheyne
%A J.M. Neilson
%A H. Rook
%A R. R. Sutton
%A Murray Williams
%K Anas rhynchotis
%K Australasian shoveler
%K dispersal
%K movements
%K New Zealand
%X Dispersal of adult Australasian shovelers Anas rhynchotis in New Zealand after being banded during their annual moult was determined from the locations at which they were shot by hunters. Birds banded at 2 southern South Island and 2 North Island sites between 1972 and 1986 dispersed the length and breadth of New Zealand. Some shoveler were recovered within 90 days of banding at opposite ends of the country from their banding sites. There was no obvious pattern to the recoveries. Birds were recovered from most of New Zealand's large lowland and coastal wetlands except from West Coast, South Island. Modal recovery distances for shoveler banded at Lake Whangape, northern North Island, and recovered in their year of banding or in later years were 201-400 km. For shoveler banded in southern South Island, modal recovery distances were 0-100 km in the year-of-banding and 101-200 km in later years. Birds banded while moulting or breeding at or near the southern-most banding site were later recaptured moulting at the northern-most. Shoveler disperse more widely than other New Zealand waterfowl species and can be viewed as comprising a single national population.
%B Notornis
%V 49
%P 219-232
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_49_4_219.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_49_4_219.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2002
%T Recoveries of Australasian shoveler ( Anas rhynchotis ) banded as ducklings in southern New Zealand
%A R. R. Sutton
%A J.W. Cheyne
%A J.M. Neilson
%A Murray Williams
%K Anas rhynchotis
%K Australasian shoveler
%K dispersal
%K movements
%K New Zealand
%X Dispersal within New Zealand of Australasian shoveler (Anas rhynchotis), banded as duckhngs in Otago (n=489) and Southland (n=392) during 1971-1979, was determined from the locations at which 180 were shot by hunters. There were no statistically sigruficant differences in recovery distributions of Otago and Southland birds either when recovered in their year of banding (y-o-b) or in all subsequent years combined (later). About 50% of total recoveries were made in the y-o-b and 2-thirds of these from within 200 km of the banding site. Recoveries in later years were more widely distributed than those made in the y-o-b. North Island recoveries were 28% of total recoveries and were from most large coastal and lowland wetlands as far as Northland, 1400 km from the banding site. Recovery distributions of ducklings were not sigruficantly different from those previously determined for moulting adults banded in the same areas. However, ducklings in their 2nd year of life appear to be more distantly dispersed from their natal sites than during their 1st year or are adults from their moulting sites. We speculate that long distance dispersal may be undertaken mostly by birds that fail to breed in their natal regions in their 1st year of life, and that dispersing birds may become irregular breeders at varying distant locations.
%B Notornis
%V 49
%P 209-217
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_49_4_209.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_49_4_209.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2002
%T Survival of breeding Finsch's oystercatchers ( Haematopus finschi ) on farmland in Canterbury, New Zealand
%A P. M. Sagar
%A R.J. Barker
%A D. Geddes
%K Haematopodidae
%K land use
%K mortality
%K New Zealand
%K population change
%X We investigated the annual survival of Finsch's oystercatchers (Haematopus finschi) breeding on farmland in mid-Canterbury, New Zealand. Annual survival from 1987 to 2000 averaged 0.892, with evidence of a small amount of variation in survival rates through time (estimated SD = 0.034). We found no indication that survival rates differed between males and females. However, recapture probabilities showed that males had stronger fidelity to breeding territories than did females. These results are similar to those reported from populations of H. ostralegus in Europe. Because oystercatchers are long-lived, the survival rate of adults is the key component in determining population size. Intensification of agriculture on the breeding grounds and disruption to coastal feeding grounds may reverse the trend for population increase in this species. Consequently, the survival rate presented here provides a basis for predicting future population trends.
%B Notornis
%V 49
%P 233-240
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_49_4_233.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_49_4_233.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2002
%T An unexpected pattern of molecular divergence within the blue penguin ( Eudyptula minor ) complex
%A Jonathan C. Banks
%A Anthony D. Mitchell
%A Joseph R. Waas
%A Adrian M. Paterson
%K control region
%K Eudyptula
%K mitochondrial DNA
%K Sphenisciformes
%K systematics
%X The blue penguins (genus Eudyptula) have been subjected to extensive taxonomic revision. In 1976, the genus was reduced from 2 species to a single species (Eudyptula minor) with 6 subspecies, based on a morphometric analysis. Despite the later proposed rejection of the differentiation of subspecies in Eudyptula minor, following analysis of allozymes in some populations, the 6 subspecies have continued to be recognised in some popular and scientific literature. We compared the sequences of 3 mitochondrial gene regions (small ribosomal subunit, cytochrome oxidase b and the control region) from the 6 hypothesised subspecies to examine relationships within Eudyptula. We found evidence for 2 unexpected clades: the 1st consisting of Otago and Australian populations, the 2nd consisting of north- ern, Cook Strait, Chatham Island, and Banks Peninsula populations. Some support for these 2 clades was also found from a re-analysis of morphometric data and from a preliminary examination of vocalisations.
%B Notornis
%V 49
%P 29-38
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_49_1_29.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_49_1_29.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2001
%T Causes of the demise of a breeding population of titi on Mangaia, Cook Islands
%A David G. Medway
%K black-winged petrel
%K Cook Islands
%K extirpation
%K human harvesting
%K mammalian predators
%K Mangaia
%K Pterodroma nigripennis
%K titi
%X A species of small procellariid known locally as titi, probably the black-winged petrel (Pterodroma nigripennis), nested into the historic period in burrows in the volcanic soil ofthe uplands of Mangaia in the southern Cookgroup. The demise ofthis titi as a breeding bird on Mangaia was probably caused by a combination of the detrimental effects of human harvesting and various introduced mammalian predators which were present on Mangaia after the arrival of missionaries in the early nineteenth century.
%B Notornis
%V 48
%P 137-144
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_48_3_137.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_48_3_137.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2001
%T A field technique for determining the sex of North Island kokako ( Callaeas cinerea wilsoni )
%A Ian Flux
%A John Innes
%K Callaeas cinerea wilsoni
%K Kokako
%K morphometrics
%K sex determination
%X North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) appear sexually monomorphic. Females are, on average, slightly smaller than males in most body measurements. Mean tarsus length was significantly smaller among females at all sites and can be used to predict sex of unknown birds with up to 86% accuracy. A simple discriminant function, using tarsus and wing chord measurements, was derived which increased sex resolution to over 90% at some sites. This is sufficient accuracy to provide a useful field technique for kokako research and conservation management. Best discri- minant functions for different sites are presented and their geographical limitations are discussed. Flux, I.; Innes, J. 2001. A field technique for determining the sex of North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni).
%B Notornis
%V 48
%P 217-223
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_48_4_217.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_48_4_217.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2000
%T Bird fauna of Niue Island in 1994-95
%A R. G. Powlesland
%A J. R. Hay
%A M. H. Powlesland
%K bird fauna
%K management
%K Niue Island
%X An annotated checklist of the bird species of Niue Island in the southwest Pacific is provided from published and unpublished sources, and from observations during April-May, September, and December 1994. Results for common species were derived from five-minute counts, numbers seen per kilometre while travelling by motorcycle along roads, and single species surveys. The number of species on Niue is 31 (6 seabirds, 10 shorebirds, and 15 land birds). The common noddy (Anous stolidus) was confined as nesting on the island. Recommendations are made for the future management of the hunted Pacific pigeon (Ducula pacifica) and the scarce blue-crowned lory (Vini australis).
%B Notornis
%V 47
%P 39-53
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_47_1_39.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_47_1_39.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2000
%T Observations on the chick-rearing strategy of yellow-eyed penguins ( Megadyptes antipodes ) on Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
%A Kathrin Schuster
%A John T. Darby
%K chick-rearing strategy
%K Megadyptes antipodes
%K one-chick parents
%K two-chick parents
%K Yellow-eyed Penguin
%X The chick-rearing strategy of yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) breeding on Otago Peninsula was examined in 12 pairs of adults, between 17 November 1996 and 3 1 March 1997, from time of hatching of chicks to parental moult. Differences in behaviour of both male and female parents towards one- or two-chick broods were not statistically significant, but behaviour towards all offspring changed significantly over time with respect to breeding phases. Differences observed resulted from a change in feeding procedure. "Food-walks" started significantly earlier in the course of a feeding session as time progressed, while major components (duration and number of individual feeds) decreased significantly. The changes observed are interpreted as resulting from the chicks' growing independence in concert with the parents' decreasing urge to spend time with their offspring outside the still necessary feeding encounters. An evolutionarily stable environment and reliable food source are suggested as the reason for the lack of development of different chick-rearing strategies for different numbers of offspring or for male and female breeders.
%B Notornis
%V 47
%P 141-147
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_47_3_141.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_47_3_141.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 2000
%T Status of the Westland Petrel ( Procellaria westlandica ) off South America
%A Edward S. Brinkley
%A Steve N.G. Howell
%A Michael P. Force
%A Larry B. Spear
%A David C. Ainley
%K distribution
%K moult
%K Procellaria westlandica)
%K South America
%K Westland Petrel
%X The presence of small numbers of Westland petrels (Procellaria westlandica)) off the east and west coasts of South America is a relatively recent discovery. Evidence for the presence of the species in those seas has, however, been found to extend back at least as far as 1913, with the re-identification of a specimen in the American Museum of Natural History collection as F! westlandica. Preliminary comments are given on the condition of plumage of Westland petrels observed in South American waters.
%B Notornis
%V 47
%P 179-183
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_47_4_179.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_47_4_179.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Bird Counts in Kennedy's Bush Scenic Reserve, Port Hills, Christchurch
%A Amanda N.D. Freeman
%K abundance
%K movements
%K native bush
%K passerines
%K Seasonal occurrence
%X Between March 1992 and February 1993, 222 five-minute stationary bird counts were conducted at 12 sites in the Kennedy's Bush Scenic Reserve on Christchurch's Port Hills. Over the period of the survey, 22 species of bird were recorded in or flying over the reserve. The seven most frequently recorded species were Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), Grey Warbler (Gerygone igata), Bellbird (Anthornis m. melanura), Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa), Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), Blackbird (Turdus merula) and Redpoll (Acanthis flammea). Kennedy's Bush does not contain a high diversity of native bush birds compared to some other mainland sites. Native species also appear less abundant in Kennedy's Bush than in continuous, climax forest sites near Reefton. Kennedy's Bush does, however, support high numbers of some species such as Silvereye, Grey Warbler, Fantail, Bellbird and Shining Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx l. lucidus) compared to sites at Kowhai Bush, Kaikoura. The autumn peak in numbers of Silvereye recorded at Kennedy's Bush may result from flocks of migrating birds, some of which may move out of the reserve for the winter months. The numbers of Grey Warbler, Bellbird and Blackbird recorded probably reflect seasonal changes in conspicuousness rather than a change in actual numbers; adults are probably resident in the reserve year round. As in other parts of Canterbury, Fantail numbers were severely reduced by the heavy snow-falls of August 1992. Bellbird numbers were also reduced by the heavy snow-falls. Spring brought high numbers of Chaffinches to the reserve and summer brought high numbers of Redpolls, both of which were apparently absent or in very low numbers during winter. Small numbers of Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) and Greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) also appear to occur in Kennedy's Bush only during the summer months. Of particular interest were records of two rarer Port Hills birds, Tomtits (Petroica m. macrocephala) and New Zealand Pigeons (Hemiphaga n. novaeseelandiae). Tomtits were recorded on only two occasions over the survey period. By 1997, however, this species appeared to be resident in the reserve. New Zealand Pigeons were recorded in Kennedy's Bush in small numbers throughout the year and may breed there.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 388-404
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_3_388.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_3_388.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Dispersal of South Island Pied Oystercatchers ( Haematopus ostralegus finschi ) from an inland breeding area of New Zealand
%A E.M. Sagar
%A D. Geddes
%K Charadrii
%K migration
%K site fidelity
%K wintering areas
%X Dispersal of colour-banded South Island Pied Oystercatchers Haematopus ostralegus finschi from a breeding area on farmland in mid-Canterbury, New Zealand, was investigated from December 1987 to September 1997. Most moved north and were away from the breeding area from late December to mid-July. All birds spent this time at coastal sites, which ranged from 97 to 834 km from their breeding area. Distances travelled by males and females and birds of all ages were similar. Birds had high fidelity to wintering sites within and between years. Pair bonds were not maintained in winter and there was no evidence that fledglings accompanied their parents to wintering sites.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 89-100
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_1_89.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_1_89.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Increase of gannets ( Morus serrator ) at Muriwai, Auckland
%A Brenda S. Greene
%K Australasian gannet
%K Muriwai
%K New Zealand
%K population increase
%X The growth of New Zealand's second mainland Australasian gannet (Morus serrator) colony at Muriwai, north west Auckland is described from counts between 1975 and 1998. The colonies on Motutara Island, and the southern and northern colonies on Otakamiro Point have increased from 28 pairs in 1975 to 1393 pairs in 1998. The potential for future colony expansion on the northern cliff face, where human disturbance is highest, is discussed.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 423-433
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_4_423.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_4_423.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Movements of banded Arctic waders to and from New Zealand
%A Adrian C. Riegen
%K Arctic waders
%K band recoveries
%K Bar-tailed Godwit
%K Lesser Knot
%K migration
%K Turnstone
%X Between 1979 and 1998, 6975 Arctic waders of seven species (mainly Lesser Knots Calidris canutus and Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica) were caught by the Miranda Banders and the New Zealand Wader Study Group near Auckland. Of these, 1375 were marked with a white leg-flag on the tibia to denote capture in New Zealand. Thirty-two Lesser Knots and three Bar-tailed Godwits had already been banded overseas, mainly in Australia. Another two Lesser Knots and two Bar-tailed Godwits banded overseas have been found dead in New Zealand. Up to 135 Lesser Knots, 34 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Turnstones and 2 Red-necked Stints (Calidris ruficollis) bearing Australian leg-flags, and 2 colour-banded Bar-tailed Godwits from Alaska have been seen in New Zealand. Of those birds banded or leg-flagged in New Zealand, up to 21 Lesser Knots, up to 17 Bar-tailed Godwits, and two Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) have been recovered or seen in six overseas countries. One Turnstone banded in New Zealand was caught in Australia and then recaptured back at its original banding site. The migration routes taken by Lesser Knots, Bar-tailed Godwits and turnstones visiting New Zealand have been deduced from these band recovery data.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 123-142
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_1_123.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_1_123.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T A myna increase-notes on introduced mynas ( Acridotheres ) and bulbuls ( Pymonotus ) in Western Samoa
%A B. J. Gill
%K bulbul
%K distribution
%K exotic species
%K introduced species
%K myna
%K Pacific
%K Samoa
%K spread
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 268-269
%G eng
%N 2
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_46_2_268.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_2_268.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Recovery of a Mohua ( Mohoua ochrocephala ) population following predator control in the Eglinton Valley, Fiordland, New Zealand
%A Peter Dilks
%K hole nesting
%K Mohoua ochrocephala
%K Mohua
%K Mustela erminea predation
%K stoat
%K Yellowhead
%X Breeding Mohua (Yellowhead, Mohoua ochrocephala; Passeriformes) have been intensively monitored in the Eglinton Valley, Fiordland, since 1990. Birds were individually colour-banded and their territories mapped. Trapping and poisoning stoats (Mustela erminea) resulted in a large increase in Mohua numbers, but the population declined abruptly in winter 1996 following a period of unusually low temperatures. Details of the increase in numbers are presented and the reasons for the subsequent sharp population decline are discussed.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 323-332
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_3_323.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_3_323.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Regional patterns of migration in the Banded Dotterel ( Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus )
%A Ray Pierce
%K Australia
%K Banded Dotterel
%K Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus
%K migration
%K New Zealand
%K seasonal movements
%X Banded Dotterels (Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus) exhibit a variety of seasonal movement patterns ranging from sedentary behaviour, through migration within New Zealand, to trans-Tasman migration. From 1985 to 1990 the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (OSNZ) studied the regional patterns of movement of Banded Dotterels which had been colour-banded on the breeding grounds. Sight-recoveries indicated that most birds in inland regions of the southern half of the South Island migrated to Australia, but coastal breeding birds in the South Island were mostly sedentary. Inland birds north of Canterbury mostly moved within New Zealand, particularly to harbours in the North Island but with regionally specific patterns - Westland birds mainly to Farewell Spit, Marlborough birds to the northern North Island and Farewell Spit, southern North Island birds either locally or to the Auckland region, and most Hawkes Bay and Volcanic Plateau birds to Bay of Plenty and Auckland. Breeding habitat modified this pattern; coastal birds were mainly sedentary, whereas birds on nearby inland riverbeds were migratory. Migration patterns are discussed in terms of advantages and disadvantages of different wintering options.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 101-122
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_1_101.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_1_101.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Seabirds found dead on New Zealand beaches in 1996
%A G A Taylor
%K Diomedea bulleri
%K Diomedea cauta eremita
%K Larus bulleri
%K mortality
%K seabirds
%X During 1996, participants in the Beach Patrol Scheme patrolled 3071 km of the New Zealand coastline. There were 4649 dead seabids of 58 species recovered by patrollers. In addition, beach patrollers found 165 birds of 32 non-seabird species. Unusual finds included one Chatham Island Mollymawk (Diomedea cauta eremita), one New Caledonian Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera caledonica), two Channel-billed Cuckoos (Scythrops novaehollandiae) and two Spine-tailed Swifts (Hirundapus caudacutus). There was a moderate-sized wreck of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) on North Island west coast beaches in November. The highest annual totals of Pitt Island Shag (Stictocarbo featherstoni) and Chatham Island Shag (Leucocarbo onslowi) were recorded in 1996. The mean annual recovery rates of Buller's Mollymawks (Diomedea bulleri) and Black-billed Gull (Larus bullerti) were the highest recorded since the start of the Beach Patrol Scheme. Red-billed Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae scopulinus) had their lowest annual recovery rate in 1996. Causes of seabird mortality are discussed in the paper.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 434-445
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_4_434.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_4_434.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Seasonal mass changes of Lesser Knots ( Calidris canutus ) in New Zealand
%A Phil F. Battley
%K Calidris canutus
%K Lesser Knot
%K mass
%K shorebirds
%X Lesser Knots (Calidris canutus) are high-Arctic breeding waders that migrate to temperate and tropical regions for the non-breeding season. Seasonal mass changes were examined in Lesser Knots in New Zealand at the southern end of their migration. Adults showed a large increase in mass in February before their northward migration in March. They were estimated to depart with a 'fat' load of around 45%. Subadult birds, most of which winter in New Zealand over the northern breeding season, also showed a mass increase. Mass increases in winter are well documented for European waders but contrary to the European situation, this increase in subadult birds in New Zealand is unlikely to be an adaptive strategy to insure against periods of negative energy balance. Instead, it may be an endogenously orchestrated byproduct that has not been selected against in the pre-migratory period. Such increases may be more widespread in Arctic waders in the Southern Hemisphere than is realised.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 143-154
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_1_143.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_1_143.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Social constraints on access to mates in a high density population of New Zealand Snipe ( Coenocorypha aucklandica )
%A Colin M. Miskelly
%K Coenocorypha aucklandica
%K mate fidelity
%K migration
%K mortality
%K natal dispersal
%K New Zealand Snipe
%K philopatry
%K Snares Islands
%K territory
%X A colour-banded sample of New Zealand Snipe (Coenocorypha aucklandica) was studied on the Snares Islands over six breeding seasons. Snipe reached densities of 11.5 birds/ha; they were serially monogamous, but alpha males regained their original partner and territory at the start of the following breeding season. Up to 47% of males and 30% of females were excluded from breeding each year, although they were tolerated within breeding territories. Breeding adults were highly faithful to their territories and mates regardless of previous breeding success. About 83% of adults were seen in the study area the year after banding. No males moved to different territories, and only 11% of females moved, all to adjacent territories. Less than 9% of breeders changed partners between years if their previous mate was still present.Territory area was not influenced by intruder density: in years of high population density a higher proportion of birds was excluded from breeding. Nonbreeding adults obtained a territory or mate only if a territorial bird died. Prior residence was an important factor in acquiring a territory both within and between breeding seasons. Mortality was density-dependent, and a relatively constant proportion of nonbreeding birds was assimilated into the breeding population each spring.New Zealand Snipe were faithful to their natal area; 46% of fledglings were later seen in the study area. There was no sex bias in return rates, but females tended to disperse slightly further than males. About 11% of males and 57% of females bred as 1-year-olds. Previously nonterritorial birds (beta status) gained access to territories and mates when alpha status birds were caring for chicks. No inbreeding was recorded.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 223-239
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_1_223.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_1_223.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1999
%T Waders of the Manukau Harbour and Firth of Thames
%A C.R. (Dick) Veitch
%A A.M. (Tony) Habraken
%K census
%K Charadrii
%K Firth of Thames
%K Manukau Harbour
%K population
%K Waders
%X Thirty-one species of wader have been counted on the Manukau Harbour and Firth of Thames in summer and winter censuses since the winter of 1960. Data are presented on total numbers of waders, the numbers of selected wader species and the numbers of observers involved in the counts. The numbers of many native waders have increased during the last 39 years, especially Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus ostralegus), which have increased 8-fold from the 1960s to 1990s; however, Pied Stilts have been stable and Wrybills (Anarhynchus frontalis) may be declining. Numbers of many Arctic wader species have increased on one or both harbours, but of the two main species, Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa lapponica) have remained constant over both harbours and Lesser Knots (Calidris canutus) have declined slightly on the Firth of Thames but increased greatly on the Manukau Harbour. Notable changes of habitat are noted and possible reasons for changes in abundance of some species are discussed. Likely seasonal maxima of wader numbers are considered and the implications of these are discussed.
%B Notornis
%V 46
%P 45-70
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_46_1_45.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_46_1_45.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T The ageing of Weka ( Gallirallus australis ) using measurements, soft parts, plumage and wing spurs
%A A. J. Beauchamp
%K juvenile development
%K moult
%K Rallidae
%K Weka
%X Weka (Gallirallus australis) can be aged accurately up until 50 days old using leg and bill measurements, and then less accurately up to 180 days old using plumage development, wing spur shape and iris colour. Weka less than one year old can be distinguished by their remex tip and wing spur shape. Beyond one year, Weka can only be placed into age groups, using wing spur shape.
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 167-176
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_45_3_167.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_3_167.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T The birds of Kapingamarangi Atoll, including first record of the Shining Cuckoo ( Chysococcyx lucidus ) from Micronesia
%A Donald W. Buden
%K avifauna
%K Chrysococcyx
%K distribution
%K Kapingamarangi
%K Micronesia
%X Twenty species of birds are recorded from Kapingamarangi Atoll, southern Micronesia, 14 sea- and shorebirds and six land birds. Eleven are documented or probable breeders or former breeders. The Micronesian Starling (Aplonis opaca) is the only native, resident land bird, and it is common and widespread, averaging 5.7 birds ha-1 atoll-wide among the 31 islands. A kingfisher is reported from Kapingamarangi for the first time, and a recently collected specimen of Shining Cuckoo (Chysococcyx lucidus) is the first record for Micronesia and first report of the nominate (New Zealand) subspecies north of the Bismark Archipelago.
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 141-152
%G eng
%N 2
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_45_2_141.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_2_141.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T Breeding biology of the Kakerori ( Pomarea dimidiata ) on Rarotonga, Cook Islands
%A Edward K. Saul
%A Hugh A. Robertson
%A Anna Tiraa
%K breeding
%K conservation
%K Cook Islands
%K Kakerori
%K monarch flycatcher
%K Pomarea dimidiata
%X The breeding biology of Kakerori, or Rarotonga Flycatcher, (Pomarea dimidiata) was studied during ten years (1987-97) of experimental management aimed at saving this endangered monarch flycatcher from extinction. Kakerori remained territorial all year and were usually monogamous. Most birds kept the same mate from year to year, but pairs that failed to raise any young were more likely to divorce than successful pairs. Despite living in the tropics, Kakerori breeding was strictly seasonal, with eggs laid from early October to mid-February, and mostly in late October and early November. Nesting started earlier in years when October was very sunny. Most pairs (74%) laid only one clutch, but some pairs laid up to four replacement clutches when nests failed. Three pairs (1%) successfully raised two broods in a season. Rat (Rattus spp.) predation was the principal cause of nest failure, especially of nests in pua (Fagraea berteriana), the main fruiting tree used by rats during the Kakerori breeding season. Annual breeding productivity was initially poor (0.46 fledglings per breeding pair over two years) and the population was declining, but intensive management since 1989 has led to a great increase in productivity (1.07 fledglings per breeding pair over eight years) and the number of Kakerori has increased from 29 birds in 1989 to a minimum of 153 birds in 1997. Their IUCN conservation status can therefore be lowered from 'critically endangered' to 'endangered'.
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 255-268
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_45_4_255.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_4_255.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T Channel-billed Cuckoos in New Zealand in spring 1996
%A Alan Tennyson
%A Gerry Brackenbury
%K cuckoo
%K distribution
%K migration
%K Scythrops novaehollandiae
%K vagrant
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 223-225
%G eng
%N 3
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_45_3_223.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_3_223.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T The effects of an abnormally cold winter spell on Southland birds
%A Jamie Wood
%K behaviour
%K Extreme weather
%K feeding
%K mortality
%K Southland
%K winter
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 126-128
%G eng
%N 2
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_45_2_126.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_2_126.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T Movements of Caspian Terns ( Sterna caspia ) from a colony near Invercargill, New Zealand, and some notes on their behaviour
%A Maida Barlow
%K behaviour
%K Caspian Tern
%K Invercargill
%K movement
%K Sterna caspia
%X Caspian Terns (Sterna caspia) from an isolated colony in southern New Zealand were studied for 30 years. Aims of the study were to identify the birds' wintering grounds and to discover the whereabouts of birds during immaturity, by tracing movements of known-aged birds. Adults moved to several wintering grounds up to 1150 km to the northeast. Some birds were locally nomadic in winter, but little distance nomadism was identified in adults. In some families, one parent left the colony up to three weeks before the rest of the family. Juveniles left their natal colony when aged 7–9 weeks, and each was accompanied by one parent until aged 8–9 months. Typically, parents took turns at accompanying a juvenile, in stints of ca. 1-3 days, but two siblings wintered 360 km apart, each accompanied by a parent. Birds on outward passage moved in stages in flocks of 2–4 birds. Families lingered at staging areas for 2-26 days. A 49–54 day old juvenile moved 195 km in five days. Mortality was high in juveniles which moved further than ca. 900 km. Seventy seven percent of juveniles remained sedentary at their wintering ground to age 9 months, and 30% stayed on at the same location through their second winter. Immature birds remained sedentary, were locally nomadic or wandered far inland. Some returned to the colony and stayed briefly, but those which had wandered tended to remain at one site for weeks or months before moving on. Juveniles begged only from their parents. Flight skills and some feeding behaviour of known-aged juveniles are described, as are some behaviours at staging areas.
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 193-219
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_45_3_193.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_3_193.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T Nesting home range sizes of Wrybill ( Anarhynchus frontalis ) and Banded Dotterel ( Charadrius bicinctus ) in relation to braided riverbed characteristics
%A Kenneth F.D. Hughey
%K Charadriiformes
%K management
%K nesting habitat
%X Wrybill (Anarhynchus frontalis) and Banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus) are territorial birds which breed on braided riverbeds in Canterbury, New Zealand. Home ranges of Wrybill pairs were bigger than those of Banded Dotterel pairs on the Rakaia and Ashley Rivers. For Wrybill there were no significant differences in home range size between years and rivers, but home ranges of Banded Dotterel pairs were larger on the Rakaia R. than on the Ashley R. Wrybill home range size on the Rakaia R. was related to the presence of preferred minor channel feeding habitats; small home ranges contained mostly minor channels and large home ranges contained mostly major channels. The larger home ranges for Banded Dotterel on the Rakaia R. is thought to be related to greater habitat instability compared to the Ashley R. If large scale diversion of water occurs from these rivers then flows need to be managed so that the characteristics of the natural flow regime are maintained.
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 103-111
%G eng
%N 2
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_45_2_103.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_2_103.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1998
%T Sex determination and natal philopatry of Southern Buller's Mollymawks ( Diomedea bulleri bulleri )
%A E.M. Sagar
%A J.C. Stahl
%A J. Molloy
%K Diomedea bulleri bulleri
%K measurements
%K natal dispersal
%K Procellariiformes
%K The Snares
%X Natal philopatry of 859 Southern Buller's Mollymawks (Diomedea bulleri bulleri) banded as chicks on North East Island, The Snares (48"02'S, 166"36'E), during August 1972 was investigated during 1977 to 1998. Eighty-six birds were recaptured as breeders; 57 of these were recorded within 100 m of their natal nest area and 29 dispersed over distances ranging from 100 m to 2430 m. The gender of 32 birds was determined by measurements of minimum bill depth and tarsus width, or by their behaviour. Of 17 males, 15 were found breeding within 100 m of their natal site and the remaining two birds dispersed 100 - 200 m. Of the 15 females, five were breeding within 100 m of their natal site and the remainder had dispersed 100 - 1640 m.
%B Notornis
%V 45
%P 271-278
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_45_4_271.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_45_4_271.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1997
%T Body composition of Lesser Knots ( Calidris canutus rogersi ) preparing to take off on migration from northern New Zealand
%A Phil F. Battley
%A Theunis Piersma
%K Calidris canutus
%K migration
%K physiology
%K shorebirds
%X The body composition of ten adult and five juvenile Knots (Calidris canutus rogersi) in the migratory period from Northland, New Zealand, was studied. Basic physical measurements of all individuals are provided. Adults were heavier than juveniles, but showed a large variation in mass - some were at estimated departure mass while others apparently were only in the early stages of mass increase, allowing an investigation of changes during the "fattening" procedure. Changes in fat-free dry tissue (protein) of organs were complicated, with pectoralis and heart muscles increasing with total fat mass, while intestine and stomach mass decreased. This resulted in total fat-free dry tissue firstly increasing with fat mass, then levelling off or decreasing. This reallocation of protein is interpreted as being a method of freeing up muscle protein for redeposition in other organs during premigratory fuelling. Most fat was deposited subcutaneously, apparently in a linear fashion. In contrast, abdominal fat showed proportionately higher masses as total fat increased, while fat around other organs showed the reverse pattern. Adults were significantly larger than juveniles in ten organ comparisons, but only four of these were clearly related to migration. Organ sizes in C. c. rogersi were much smaller than in the European-wintering C. c. islandica, and slightly smaller than African-wintering C. c. canutus. Salt gland mass of C. c. rogersi in this sample from New Zealand was much larger than that known from European birds, which may reflect migratory preparation. Lean mass was estimated at around 109 g.
%B Notornis
%V 44
%P 137-150
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_44_3_137.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_44_3_137.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1997
%T The destruction by storm of the Australasian Gannet ( Morus serrator ) colony at Farewell Spit
%A W.A. Cook
%K breeding
%K Gannet
%K mortality
%K weather
%B Notornis
%V 44
%P 174-175
%G eng
%N 3
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_44_3_174.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_44_3_174.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1997
%T First record of a Black-faced Monarch ( Monarcha melanopsis ) in New Zealand
%A Alan Tennyson
%K Black-faced Monarch
%K flycatcher
%K Monarcha melanopsis
%K vagrant
%B Notornis
%V 44
%P 267-269
%G eng
%N 4
%9 short note
%1 Notornis_44_4_267.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_44_4_267.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1997
%T The influence of Hoki fishing vessels on Westland Petrel ( Procellaria westlandica ) distribution at sea
%A Amanda N.D. Freeman
%K fishery waste
%K Hoki
%K Macruronus novaezelandiae
%K Procellaria westlandica
%K Westland Petrel
%X The Westland Petrel (Procellaria westlandica) population is thought to have increased significantly in recent decades, perhaps as a result of increased food in the form of waste from fishing vessels. A survey of Westland Petrels off the West Coast of the South Island, New Zealand, showed that fishing vessels in the West Coast South Island Hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) fishery influence the distribution of Westland Petrels, but only a small proportion of the Westland Petrel population appears to utilise this fishery waste at any one time. Westland Petrels appear to select foraging areas primarily on natural features, such as water depth, and only if fishing vessels are in the same area are Westland Petrels attracted to them.
%B Notornis
%V 44
%P 159-164
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_44_3_159.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_44_3_159.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1997
%T Mortality, distribution, numbers and conservation of the Chatham Island Pigeon ( Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae chathamensis )
%A A. D. Grant
%A R. G. Powlesland
%A P. J. Dilks
%A I.A. Flux
%A C.J. Tisdall
%K Chatham Island Pigeon
%K conservation
%K distribution
%K fruit pigeon
%K Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae chathamensis
%K mortality
%K numbers
%X The Chatham Island Pigeon or Parea (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae chathamensis), is the endangered subspecies, endemic to the Chatham Islands, of the New Zealand Pigeon or Kereru (H. n. novaeseelandiae). During the early period of European and Maori settlement, 1820s to 1870s, Parea were common on Chatham, Pitt and Mangere Islands, but by 1990 the population possibly comprised fewer than 50 birds, mostly in forest habitats of the southern part of Chatham Island. Between 1989 and 1994, the numbers of feral cats and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) were reduced in areas occupied by Parea in the Awatotara and Tuku Valleys of south-western Chatham Island The adult Parea population of these valleys increased three-fold from 27 in 1990 to 81 in 1994. The long-term future of the Parea is dependent on the exclusion of cattle, pigs and sheep from forest reserves. Keeping cat and possum numbers at low levels in Parea habitat on Chatham Island, and the establishment of a population on Pitt Island once cats have been removed from one or more of its reserves.
%B Notornis
%V 44
%P 65-77
%G eng
%N 2
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_44_2_65.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_44_2_65.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1997
%T Population structure, morphometrics, moult, migration, and wintering of the Wrybill ( Anarhynchus frontalis )
%A Stephen Davies
%K morphometrics
%K moult
%K population
%K wintering
%K Wrybill
%X Between 1987 and 1996, 2,383 Wrybills (Anarhynchus frontalis) were banded on their wintering grounds at two locations near Auckland; 690 of these were recaptured on 830 occasions. Birds started to arrive at their wintering grounds in December; and stayed at the more northern location until April, when they moved to wintering sites further south. First year birds comprised <15% of the population, and about 30% of birds were at least 5 years old. The maximum longevity in the wild was 16 years. Adults had significantly longer wings than younger birds, hut there was no such difference in bill or tarsus length. Body mass generally increased during winter, and adults often were heavier than young birds. Wrybills moulted between late December and early May. A country-wide population census found 5,111 birds in May 1994. There is no reliable indication that the population ever exceeded this level.
%B Notornis
%V 44
%P 1-14
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_44_1_1.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_44_1_1.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1997
%T Seabirds found dead on New Zealand beaches in 1995
%A G A Taylor
%K Fregata ariel
%K mortality
%K Morus serrator
%K Puffinus griseus
%K seabirds
%X During 1995, participants in the Beach Patrol Scheme patrolled 3498 km of the New Zealand coastline. There were 7625 dead seabirds of 55 species recovered by patrollers. In addition, beach patrollers found 156 birds of 28 non-seabird species. Unusual finds were the third specimen of a beach-wrecked Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) in New Zealand and five Kermadec Petrels (Pterodroma neglecta). Australasian Gannets (Morus serrator) wrecked in larger numbers than in any year since the start of the Beach Patrol Scheme. There were 648 birds recovered at an average rate of 22.2 birds per 100 km. A large wreck of Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) occurred on Stewart Island in May 1995. Causes of seabird mortality are discussed in the paper.
%B Notornis
%V 44
%P 201-212
%G eng
%N 4
%9 report
%1 Notornis_44_4_201.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_44_4_201.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1996
%T Distribution and abundance of the Tanga'eo or Mangaia Kingfisher ( Halcyon tuta ruficollaris )
%A Stella Rowe
%A Raewyn Empson
%K Cook Islands
%K Halcyon tuta ruficollaris
%K Kingfisher
%K Mangaia
%K population survey
%X In October-November 1992 the island of Mangaia, Cook Islands, was surveyed for Tanga'eo (Halcyon tuta ruficollaris). The Tanga'eo was found to be primarily a forest bird, preferring continuous forest canopy. Its abundance was influenced by forest type, extent, and degree of habitat modification. A number of potential threats to the survival of Tanga'eo were identified including habitat loss and disturbance by Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis). A brief survey of rodents was carried out. Although the Tanga'eo population was estimated to have been between 250 and 450 birds, low numbers of birds in apparently suitable forest in the southwest of Mangaia indicate that further research is needed to determine population trends and conservation requirements.
%B Notornis
%V 43
%P 35-42
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_43_1_35.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_43_1_35.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1996
%T New Zealand White-Capped Mollymawks ( Diomedea cauta steadi ) breeding with Black-browed Mollymawks ( D. melanophrys melanophrys ) at Antipodes Islands, New Zealand
%A Gerry Clark
%A C. J. R. Robertson
%K Antipodes Is. Diomedea spp.
%K breeding
%K Mollymawk
%X Records of all mollymawk sightings on Bollons Island, Antipodes Islands, are reviewed. Data are provided to confirm the breeding record for Black-browed Mollymawk Diomedea melanophrys melanophrys and add a new breeding record for the NZ White-capped (Shy) Mollymawk Diomedea cauta steadi.
%B Notornis
%V 43
%P 1-6
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_43_1_1.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_43_1_1.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1996
%T Observations on the breeding behaviour of the Tanga'eo or Mangaia Kingfisher ( Halcyon tuta ruficollaris )
%A Stella Rowe
%A Raewyn Empson
%K breeding
%K Cook Islands
%K Halcyon tuta ruficollaris
%K Mangaia kingfisher
%X The breeding behaviour of Tanga'eo or Mangaia Kingfisher (Halcyon tutu ruficollaris) on the island of Mangaia in the Cook Islands was investigated in 1992. Calls and breeding behaviour are described from a study of pairs and trios. At least six calls were distinguished. Clutch size appeared to be two eggs for pairs and three eggs for trios. Incubation time was between 21 and 23 days, while the fledging period was estimated at approximately 26 days. Both birds of a pair and all members of a trio excavated nest holes, incubated, brooded and fed the chicks. In trios with two males, both males courtship fed and copulated with the female, suggesting a polyandrous relationship. The breeding behaviour and relationship of trios, and the effects of Mynas on breeding success warrant further investigation.
%B Notornis
%V 43
%P 43-50
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_43_1_43.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_43_1_43.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1995
%T Recoveries of black shags ( Phalacrocorax carbo ) banded in Wairarapa, New Zealand
%A D. Sim
%A R. G. Powlesland
%K (Phalacrocorax carbo)
%K Black Shag
%K mortality
%K recoveries
%K Wairarapa
%X During 1976-89, 490 Black Shag (Phalacrocorax carbo) nestlings were banded at Matthews and Boggy Pond wildlife reserves, and Te Hopai Lagoon, Wairarapa. Forty-one (8.4%) have been recovered, all dead, 20 of unknown causes. Of 21 for which the cause of death was known, 13 drowned in set nets, 11 of these birds being less than 6 months old. Six shags had been shot, all prior to 1986 when the Black Shag received partial protection. While 85% of the shags were found within a 100 km of the banding sites, mainly to the north and west, one bird was recovered about 2000 km away on Lord Howe Island.
%B Notornis
%V 42
%P 23-26
%G eng
%N 1
%9 article
%1 Notornis_42_1_23.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_42_1_23.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1995
%T Sexual dimorphism of voice and morphology in the Thin-billed Prion ( Pachyptila belcheri )
%A Fabrice Genevois
%A Vincent Bretagnolle
%K morphology
%K Pachyptila belcheri
%K sexual dimorphism
%K Thin-billed Prion
%K voice
%X There are major sexual differences in the calls of Thin-billed Prion Pachyptila belcheti. This allowed birds to be sexed initially by calls, and then by their measurements. Males were on average larger than females for six out of eight morphometric characters, with the greatest difference being in the bill. We then investigated the possibility of sexing birds on the basis of external measurements: a discriminant function analysis based on the eight measurements allowed correct classification of 84.4% of the 281 birds. In 89% of breeding pairs, males had greater bill depth than their partner. A stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that bill depth, head length and body weight were the three most discriminant variables. The combinations of two measurements (bill depth and body weight, or bill depth and total head length) allowed correct classification of 84.3 and 83% of the birds respectively, whilst a classification solely based on bill depth gave a 83.2% correct classification. The degree of sexual dimorphism in this species is similar to that found in other tubenoses.
%B Notornis
%V 42
%P 1-10
%G eng
%N 1
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_42_1_1.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_42_1_1.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1994
%T Meteorological conditions and Cattle Egret migration: an update
%A Howard A. Bridgman
%A Max Maddock
%K Australia
%K Cattle Egret
%K meteorology
%K migration
%K New Zealand
%X The migration pattern of Cattle Egrets in 1990 and 1991 and its relation to meteorology are presented to extend initial results covering 1987-1989 (Maddock & Bridgman 1992). Cattle Egrets migrated to Victoria and Tasmania in waves during March and April in northerly air flow (western side of a high pressure system) in a series of stages, with periods of rest in between. Major staging points seemed to be Windsor (NSW), Nowra (NSW), and Baimsdale (Vic). Return migrations (October and November) appeared faster, with fewer and shorter rest stops, and were in southerly airflow. Staging points were Werribee (Vic), Nowra (NSW), and Wyong (NSW). Migrations to and from New Zealand were much more limited than in previous years due to adverse weather conditions, especially winds.
%B Notornis
%V 41
%P 189-204
%G eng
%N 3
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_41_3_189.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_41_3_189.pdf
%0 Journal Article
%J Notornis
%D 1994
%T Morphometrics and ecology of the New Zealand Dotterel ( Charadrius obscurus ), with a description of a new subspecies
%A John E. Dowding
%K morphometrics
%K New Zealand Dotterel
%K plover
%K subspecies
%K taxonomy
%X Morphometric data are presented for the northern and southern populations of the NZ Dotterel. There are significant differences between the two populations in all measurements of birds and eggs. The differences in midtoe and adult weight are pronounced: the former yields a Coefficient of Difference above the conventional level of subspecific difference. Plumage differs between birds of the two populations. Ecologically and behaviourally the two populations differ distinctly; southern birds breed inland and northern birds on the coast, the timing of flock break-up and movement to breeding sites is different and the ranges of the two groups are discrete. Based on these differences, the two populations are accorded subspecific status, and a new subspecies is described.
%B Notornis
%V 41
%P 221-233
%G eng
%N 4
%9 paper
%1 Notornis_41_4_221.pdf
%> https://notornis.osnz.org.nz/system/files/Notornis_41_4_221.pdf